
I^Ci 2/Q 



Qass_ 

Book_ ^ ^11 



t-i- 



THE 

HISTORY 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE • 



EMPEROR OF THE FRENCH, ^/J 



KING OF ITALY. 



WITH TWO ENGRAVINGS. 



'< llle non i.iodo eorum hominmn, qui nunc sunt, gloriam, sed etiam antiqnitatls 
niemoriam virtute superavit ; plura bella gessit quam cjeteri legerunt ; pliires pro- 
vincias confecit, quam alii concupiverunt ; et ejus adolescentia ad scientiam rei mi- 
litaris non alienis prseceptis, sed suis imperils ; non nfll ii iniiiliintinllii) nrirl nirfrri 
IS ; non stipendiis, sed triumphis erudita est." /^^^ ''"'''' ""'V' "?.'x 




Pi^St^ 



BALTIMORE : 

J^tinteo at t^e IBMz mn ^tztt 2D^e, 

BY WARNER & HANNA, 
1806. 



PREFACE. 



AS no apology for the manner in 
wliich this volume is executed would 
be admitted by its readers, none is of- 
fered ; and as little merit is claimed, 
no praise is expected: hence the for- 
mality of a preface would have been 
altogether omitted, had it not been 
considered necessary to state whence 
this history of Bonaparte has beea 
compiled. The publications which 
have been consulted, are a variety of 
English and French works, such as the 
Annual Registers, Stephen's Wars, 
Campaign in Italy in both languages, 
La vie de Bonaparte, Les Cinques 



IV PREFACE. 



Hommes, Precis des Evenemcns MI- 
litaires, Denon's Egypt, Berthier's 
Narrative, Wilson's Expedition, Bo- 
naparte and the French People, Le 
Dix-huit Brumaire, Burdon's Life 
and Character of Bonaparte, the Re- 
volutionary Plutarch, &c. &c. This 
work contains every thing interest- 
ing in the life of Napoleon I. which 
bears the character of authenticity. 
With regard to a very late volume, 
^' The Secret History of St. Cloud^' 
nothing has been extracted from it ; 
for that book, besides its general fea- 
tures, possesses very strong internal 
evidence that it is a spurious produc- 
tion, and although it will unfortu- 
nately for society have an unbounded 
circulation, still it cannot be denied 
that little if any dependence can be 
placed upon its details; and the per- 
son who reads it through is spee- 
dily nauseated and disgusted with 
the incessant repetition of the intrigues 
of debauchees, the excesses and infi- 
delities of women in high life, and 



PREFACE. 



the coarse indecent manner in which 
they are narrated. As no certainty at 
present exists with respect to those vo- 
lumes to which this history is indebt- 
ed; and as the extracts which have 
been made are not marked, it is high- 
ly probable that in some instances the 
language of others has been unintenti- 
onally adopted, whilst it was frequently 
introduced by design*. ..therefore this 
general remark will serve as a shield 
against the charge of plagiarism..., and 
originality in a work of this kind be- 
ing impossible, all that can be desir- 
ed is accuracy of detail, assiduity of 
research, and correctness of style. 
/He who writes the life of Bonaparte 
at present, even if he were so inclined, 
dares not to investigate freely and fully 
the cause and effect of all those im- 
portant events in which he has been 
principally concerned ; and that pati- 
ence of investigation which such a 
work would demand, will not suit the 
avidity with which the present gene- 
ration wish to be informed of the won- 



VI PREFACE. 

derfal changes which the French era 
peror 's daily producing on the Eurc 
pean continent. In this volume wi 
be found no profundity of disquisit 
on, no excursions of the imaginatioi 
no embellishments of fancy, whic 
never should be admitted into hist< 
rical composition ., .no learned investi- 
gations, no wild anticipations, and 
no colouring: to the narration.... it is an 
unadorned, and as far as the documents 
which could be procured authorize, a 
faithful relation of the uncommon 
scenes through which has passed pro- 
bably the m.ost extraordinary charac- 
ter Vv hose name lives m history. That 
which Cicero said of Pompey being 
much more just when asserted of Bo- 
naparte: " He has surpassed not the 
^' generals of the y) resent age only, but 
'^ even those of antiquity in military 
" fame ; conducted more wars than 
'V those of which others have read; 
' " reduced more provinces than others 
'^ have desired; and his youth was 
'^ trained to the profession of armsj 



PREFACE. VU 



^^ not by the precepts of other men, 
^' but by his commands; not by mis- 
^^ takes in war, but by victories ; not 
^' by a series of campaigns, but by a 
^' succession of triumphs.'* This 
narrative nevertheless contains a great 
variety of incidents which are com- 
prised in no other vohime, and which 
cannot be known except by resorting 
to the same sources, which would not 
compensate for the trouble, and proba- 
bly be unsuccessful. Many of the 
anecdotes of Bonaparte which are in- 
serted, remain unaltered and continue 
in the language of the authors from 
•whom they were extracted : and the 
continual accession of new documents 
even until the work was nearly com- 
pleted, actuated the addition of those 
few pages which are filled with occur- 
rences received too late to be inserted 
in their proper order in the body of 
the history. The general distinctive 
marks of Bonaparte's miatary charac- 
ter, occur twice or thrice in the 
volume^ but the repetition was consi- 



Vlll PREFACE. 

dered necessary to render the connec- 
tion and sense complete. 

The Uteral errata which may be 
discovered, and which have no effect 
upon the meaning of the word are not 
noticed.... but tlie reader is requested 
to correct an important error in page 
12th, in the sixteenth and seventeenth 
lines from the head, for " Marshal 
Prince of Saoccyny^'' read '^ Marshal 
Comte de Saxe ;'' P^g^ 305, the 
sip"naturc should be in conformity to 
etiquette, " Napoleon^'' instead of 
'' Bonapai^te ;' page SOZj eleventh 
line, read " of the Italian consulta^^ 
&c. page 310, twelfth line, for " re- 
tilled'' read " retreated'^'' page 339.^ 
fifth line from the bottom, for '^ op- 
pressed'' insert '' opposed.'] These it 
is beHeved are the most obvious mis- 
takes in the volume. 

GEORGE BOURNE, 



THE 

HISTORY 

OF 

MAPOJLJEOM BOWAFAIRTE. 

EMPEROR OF THE FREJVCH, 
AND 
' KIJVG OF ITALY, 



Birth.*.>Edu€ation...,and Employment of Bona- 
parte^ until his appointment to the command 
of the army of Italy ^ in the year 1796- 

vjREAT events always produce extraordi- 
nary characters : they excite the passions, and 
invigorate the talents of men : they animate 
exertion, raise merit from obscurity, and un- 
fold the energy of genius. The truth 'of 
this observation, has been strikingly evinced, 
since the commencement of the French revo- 
lution ; proving the love of freedom to be an 
active and irresistibly powerful principle; 

B 



10 THE HISTORY OF 

— ^^^' ' ' ' ' ' . %■ ■ 

which, when once roused, operates with an 
electrick power, wakens the lethargick, in- 
flames the whole mass of society, and in the 
contests which it originates, exhibits all the 
virtues and vices of human nature. >^ 

When contending for liberty, against the 
oppression of domestic tyrants, or the attempts 
of foreign powers to enslave them; Greece 
and Rome displayed a host of heroes. Si- 
'3nilar causes have, in modern times, been ac- 
companied by sim.ilar effects ; and the late war 
in Europe discovered some of the most illus- 
trious characters whom the historian has hi- 
therto commemorated. 

The French armies, previous to the Revo- 
lution, were disorganized, without discipline, 
dissatisfied, numerous without skill, and ge- 
nerally unsuccessful in battle. That, which 
forced the veterans of the continent of 
Europe, to turn pale before raw recruits, 
and which discomfited Brunswick, Clairfait, 
Wurmser, &c. can have been no common 
principle. Hence, we feel interested in eve- 
ry particular which relates to such person- 
ages as Jourdan, Pichegru, Hoche, Moreau 
and Bonaparte ; and the high station to which 
the latter has attained, renders the perusal 
of a review of his life an interesting employ- 
ment, which must be attended with consider- 
able advantage. 

Napoleon Bonaparte, the son of Charles 
Bonaparte, and Lsetitia Raniolini, was born 
at Ajaccio, in Corsica, August 15th, 1769. 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. II 

His father, who was likewise a native of 
Ajaccio, was bred to the law at Rome, and 
joined Paoli, in the struggle between the 
islanders and Louis XV. On this occasion, he 
not only disrobed himself of his gown, but 
carried arms as a private soldier. 

When the French had conquered the 
island, he wished to retire with Paoli ; but 
a Canon, who was his uncle, and to whom he 
always submitted with filial obedience, op- 
posed his views so strongly, that he relin^ 
quished his plan of emigration, and fixed his 
residence in Ajaccio. 

In 1773, a deputation was sent from Cor- 
sica, to visit the French king ; and Charles 
Bonaparte represented the nobles. He was 
soon after appointed to fill the office of Procu- 
ratore Reale of Ajaccio, in which his ances- 
tors, who had left their native country Sarr 
zana, during the wars between the Guelphs 
and the Gibelines, had been settled for nearly 
four centuries. 

Charles Bonaparte was much esteemed 
by the French, and his family lived in the 
greatest intimacy with that of M. de Mar- 
boeuf, the governor. 

In the year 1779, Charles Bonaparte being 
dead, governor Marbceuf sent Napoleon, then 
10 years of age, to the military school of 
Brienne, in Champagne ; where he applied 
himself very industriously to the mathema- 
tics, and in which he studied the art of war 
scientifically : at this time the education 



12 THE HISTORY OF 

which he received developed his great talents 
and genius. Except the regular hours of du- 
ty in the college, he spent nearly his whole 
time, immediately after his arrival, in the 
cell, and with part of a hammock, a washing- 
bason, and an earthen pitcher, was con- 
fined every night, like the other students, and 
steadily watched by the inspector. As the 
system of tuition was principally adapted for 
those who were designed for a military life, 
it was altogetbep congenial with his views 
and inclinations. 

There was something in his manners and 
habits, very extraordinary for his age : the 
playfulness of youth was lost in study ; Plu- 
tarch's Lives, and the Life of the Marshal 
Prince of Saxony, were his constant compa- 
nions ; and an energy and pride unexampled, 
were frequently exhibited by him. 

While at the college of Brienne, he form- 
ed a garden with his own hands, and forti- 
fied it, against the attacks of his school-fel- 
lows. In this garden, he would walk and me- 
ditate ; and at length, became so fond of 
his retreat, that he spent most of his hours 
of recreation in it ; philosophical and mathe- 
matical books were his delight, his mind dis- 
daining all lighter studies. The^boys at the 
college once, whilst sporting with some fire- 
works, injured his garden, but they soon re- 
pented of their carelessness. 

He was indifferent to military disgrace, 
The pupils were divided into companies, 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. IS 

forming a battalion ; they assumed the French 
regvilars' uniform ; and Bonaparte was one of 
the captains. By a court-martial, collected to 
confer together on some action of which it was 
said he ought not to have been guilty, h^ was, 
in all regularity of proceeding, with form and 
solemnity, declared unworthy of his rank, 
adjudged to be deprived of his office, and re- 
duced to a private soldier. The sentence was 
read, and he was divested of his official para- 
phernalia, without evincing any emotion or re- 
gret. 

Bonaparte always interested himself with 
much spirit in the Corsican patriots' success ; 
he was very anxious to procure information 
concerning his country : Paoli, his god-father, 
was almost idolized by him ; and he was animat- 
ed by a wondrous enthusiasm, when he either 
thought or spoke of Paoli, or of his country. 
One of his school-fellows relates this anecdote 
of him, about this time: " Some of the French 
officers, who had been in Corsica, would repair 
to the military school ; and talking of the war, 
would give the most exaggerated accounts of 
their success against the Corsicans : Bona- 
parte quietly suffered them to talk, asking 
them occasionally a question or two ; but 
when he was certain he could prove their hav- 
ing falsified a fact, he would exclaim with ea- 
gerness...." Are you not ashamed for a mo- 
mentary gratification of vanity, to calumniate 
in this manner a whole nation ? You say that 
there were six hundred of you only in the en« 



14 THE HISTORY OF 

gagement; I know yOu were six thousand; 
and that you were opposed by a few wretch- 
ed peasants only!" He would then open his 
journals and maps, and he generally ended 
his declamation with saying to his friend.... 
" Come, let us leave these dastards." 

His strictness and character made him ene- 
mies amongst his school-fellows : he expected 
one day a serious attack ; and had according- 
ly barricaded his room in the military manner; 
but he was disappointed; if they had formed 
such a design it was abandoned : and yet it 
does not appear, why any of the boys should 
have so much disliked him ; for he was often 
chastised for the faults of others, without ut- 
tering a complaint, or expressing the least dis- 
satisfaction. 

The boys at Brienne joined in the celebra- 
tion of the Lord's Supper : and it was usual 
for the communicants to be confirmed on the 
same day on which they first received it. The 
day on which Bonaparte was confirmed, the ce- 
remony was performed at the school by the 
arch-bishop of the diocese. When he reach- 
ed Bonaparte, he asked him, like the rest, 
his christian name. Bonaparte answered 
with a spirit and frankness, totally different 
from the fearful and sheepish looks of his 
companions. Napoleon being an uncommon 
name, was not at first understoodby the arch- 
bishop, who required him to answer again ; 
upon v/hich Bonaparte repeated it with some 
anxiety. The assisting priest observed to the 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. ts> 



prelate: " Napoleon, I do not know that 
saint." " I believe it," replied Bonaparte, 
" that saint is a Corsican." 

In the year 1783, Bonaparte's propensity 
to fortification, displayed itself by building a 
small fort of snow ; with the garden utensils, 
he and his comrades erected a square, having 
four corner bastions, encompassed by a wall 
three feet six inches high, which was not dis- 
solved until the ensuing May. 

Bonaparte was instructed in the rudi- 
ments of the mathematics by Father Patrault, 
a minim of Brienne. He still esteems and 
respects his master. The general instructi' 
ons at the college, did not benefit him much, 
he having devoted himself entirely to the ac- 
quisition of the mathematics. The classical 
and modern languages,, the arts and sciences, 
writing, riding, h.c. received but a small 
share of his attention. 

He was removed from Brienne, in 1784, hav* 
ing been advanced to the military school at Pa- 
ris, to which he was ordered before he had spent 
the time usually allov\^ed to the pupils, who 
Wwere sent to the capital in rotation ; but the 
progress which he had made, and the supe- 
riority which he had attained, induced the 
tutors to give him the preference ; he arrived 
in that city October 17, 1784. 

At Paris he manifested similar energy, 
pursued the same principles, and displayed 
the same characteristics by which he had been 
known previous to his departure from 



16 THE HISTORY OF 



Brienne. His leisure hours were passed 
away in a bastion belonging to the fort, " Lieu 
Brune," and erected for the use of the stu- 
dents at the end of their usual promenade. His 
companions in this situation were the works of 
Vauban, CohonandFolard, by whose assistance 
he planned the attack and defence of the fort. 
Although not sixteen years of age, he pro- 
posed himself as a candidate for a commissi- 
on in the artillery ; and his success equalled 
his merits, for among thirty-six who were 
proclaimed victors in the contest at the exa- 
mination, he ranked the twelfth. 

When he was about fifteen years of age, 
and a cadet in the military school of Paris... ^ 
in the vast plain of the Champ de Mars, the 
court, and the Parisians, were assembled to 
witness the ascent of a balloon. Bonaparte 
passed through the croud, and unperceived, 
entered the inner fence, which contained the 
apparatus for inflating the silken globe. It 
was then very nearly filled, and restrained 
from its flight by the last cord only. The 
young cadet requested the aeronaut to permit 
him to mount the car with him, which request^ 
was immediately refused, from an apprehen- 
sion that the feelings of the boy might em- 
barrass the experiment. Bonaparte exclaim- 
ed, " I am young, it is true, but I fear nei- 
ther the powers of earth nor of air ;" and 
sternly added, " Will you let me ascend?" 
The aeronaut, a little offended at his obtrusi- 
on, sharply replied, " No, sir; I will not; I 






NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 17 

beg that you will retire." Upon which, the 
little enraged officer, drew a small sabre, 
which he wore with his uniform, instantly 
cut the balloon in several places, and destroy- 
ed the curious apparatus, which the aeronaut 
had constructed with infinite labour and inge- 
nuity, for the purpose of trying the possibi- 
lity of aerial navigation. 

Paris was almost unpeopled this day to 
view the spectacle. The disappointment of 
the populace, which was said to have exceed- 
ed seven hundred thousand persons, became 
violent and universal. The king sent to 
know the reason of the tumult ; when the sto- 
ry was related to him, he laughed heartily, 
and said, " Upon my word, that impetuous 
boy will make a brave officer." He little 
thought he was speaking of his successor. 
The young offender was put under arrest, and 
confined for four days. 

About the same time, as he was upon 
some occasion, conversing on the causes and 
progress of the revolution, with several young 
fficers of equal rank to himself, he defended 
is opinions so firmly, that they would have 
thrown him into the ditch which encircles the 
Champ de Mars, and it was with difficulty he 
escaped the punishment which they had in- 
tended for him. 

He entered the regiment of artillery, " La 
Fere," which was in garrison at Auxonne, in 
July, 1785; his days were spent in studying 

C 



I« THE HISTORY OF 

the fortifications, and a large portion of the 
night in meditation on those subjects which 
were connected with his profession, and 
which tended to improve and to fit him for 
that exahed station which he now fills. 

Paoli visited France in the year 1790, and 
there discovered Bonaparte ; to which inter- 
view may be probably owing his residence in 
Corsica ; for not long after, he was elected 
lieutenant-colonel commandant of a battalion 
of the national guards in active service, at 
Ajaccio. 

In the second expedition dispatched against 
Sardinia, he embarked with his countrymen, 
and landed in the island of Madalena, of 
which he took possession in the name of the 
French republic ; but he speedily discovered 
that the troops who had been collected for this 
expedition, were disorganized, and undisci- 
plined, which hastened his return to Cor- 
sica. 

Bonaparte was very active in his opposi- 
tion to the designs of the English, during 
the year 1793 : he appeared off Ajaccio, andg^ 
demanded that the town and citadel should^ 
surrender to the republic ; but the town was 
ably defended by his cousin Masseria, who 
was at the siege of Gibraltar, and who learnt 
the management of red-hot shot under lord 
Heathfield. 

In the mean time, a scheme was formed to 
annex Corsica to England ; and Bonaparte 
had a difficult part to act : he was strongly at- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 19 

tached to Paoli ; and the treatment which he 
had received from the terrorists had excited so 
high a degree of resentment, that he himself 
wrote the remonstrance which was transmit- 
ted by the municipality of Ajaccio against 
the decree declaring the general an enemy of 
the commonwealth. It is evident that he was 
suspected of having too intimate a connection 
with Paoli, for Lacombe de St. Michel and 
the other two commissioners of the conventi- 
on, issued their warrant to arrest Bonaparte. 
This did not eradicate his fidelity, nor did it 
hinder him from performing his duty, and 
fulfilling his engagements ; for as soon as he 
learnt that the English Mediterranean fleet 
had sailed to conquer his native island, he 
retired with his family to France, and re- 
sided about fifty miles from Toulon. 

Excepting these unimportant occurrences, 
the time which had elapsed from the com- 
mencement of the revolution, had been prin- 
cipally employed by Bonaparte in military 
studies. At this time he was twenty-four 
lyears of age, and an officer in a company of 
artillery only. 

The siege of Toulon roused his ardour, and 
displayed his scientifick knowledge. Salicetti, 
who was acquainted with his military endow- 
ments, introduced him to Barras, who with 
Ereron another representative of the people, 
was ordered to superintend the operations of 
the army. At the attack of fort Pharo, a 
young officer was observed by them, to be 



20 THE HISTORY OF 

very active in directing his corps of artillery. 
The sang froid, and intrepidity which Bona- 
parte has evinced in every part of his military 
career, here shone with splendour : surround- 
ed by danger and death, his wounded canno- 
neers in heaps beside him, swimming in their 
own blood,... he served almost alone a piece 
of artillery ; charging, loading, ramming it, 
and undauntedly performing the whole work 
of the private men ; the two representatives 
advanced him instantly, and gave him the de- 
fence of an important redoubt. 

Barras, who was well qualified for the si- 
tuation which he held, having found fault 
with the pointing of the guns in the battery ; 
Bonaparte said, " Mind sir, your business of 
representative, and leave to me, mine in the 
artillery : . the battery shall remain where it 
is, and I will answer with my life for its suc- 
cess." It is unnecessary to add, that to Bo- 
naparte's skill, the speedy reduction of that 
city may be ascribed. 

After the capture of Toulon, he was 
raised to the rank of brigadier-general, and||k 
ordered to Nice ; but Aubry the deputy 
soon displaced him, and committed him to pri- 
son as a terrorist. 

His papers were searched most rigorously, 
but nothing was discovered except a private 
friendly correspondence on common topics ; 
plans of the war ; military remarks ; and let- 
ters filled with the. most honourable and patri- 
otic sentiments : there being therefore no 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 21 

grourud to suspect his attachment to the ca\3se 
of Uberty ; he was immediately Hberated. 

Tlie following circumstance will prove, 
how much he was given up to his professional 
studies ; and, how many hours he dedicated 
to his own improvement ; for his unwearied 
mind was so constantly in exercise, that as 
usual, the night was appropriated to reading 
and the investigation of tactics. Whilst he 
staid at Nice, one of his friends, having im- 
mediate occasion for his assistance, walked to 
his apartment long before day, and concluding 
that he was in bed, knocked at his door very 
gently, that the noise might not discompose 
him : but as soon as he had entered the cham- 
ber, he saw to his astonishment, Bonaparte 
dressed as in the day, his police cap on his 
head, deeply engaged, with plans, maps, and 
a variety of books open near him. " What,'* 
said his friend, " not yet in bed ?" '' In bed," 
replied Bonaparte, " 1 have already risen." 
" Indeed," added the former, " What so ear- 
ly?" "Yes, so early: two or three hours are 
enough for sleep." 

Soon afterwards an attempt was made to 
remove him from the corps, which, as a mem- 
ber he so much honoured, and to degrade 
him to the infantry.... upon which he made a 
journey to Paris to remonstrate against such 
glaring injustice. ...but he received no redress 
....he in consequence thereof demanded to be 
discharged..,. with permission to retire to Con- 
stantinople : neither of his requests were 
granted. 



THE HISTORY OF 



On the insurrection of the sections of Pa- 
ris, on the 4th and 5th of October, 1795, he 
was second in command under Barras. That 
deputy had been bred a military man, and was 
reported to by his colleagues in all great 
eniergencies ; he was anxious to have with 
hiiti, at this time, the miost able men, and 
therefore called upon Bonaparte to be near 
him. But the superintendence of the army 
was confided to Gentili, whose gallant defence 
of Bastia, had procured him great reputa- 
tion. It was immediately made known that 
Gentili's deafness was an invincible obstacle 
to success ; as he could neither hear nor 
attend to the multiplied and complicated re^ 
ports of the aides-de-camp, who were conti- 
nually bringing him messages, or addressing 
him relative to the situation of the people, 
Bonaparte was appointed his successor, and 
it is to the masterly dispositions made by him, 
that the triumph of the representative body 
is principally to be attributed. Even justice , 
will admit, that the moderation then displayed 
by him in Paris, is not parallelled in modern ^ 
history. 

Tranquillity was restored, and he was 
rewarded with the command of the army of 
the interior. 

As Bonaparte's conduct in this affair has 
been much censured, two or three remarks 
cannot be unsuitable. 

Whatever there may have been blamea- 
ble in the opposition made to the people, or 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. hf 

in the mode of securing the victory, must be 
imputed to the convention, or to Barras, who 
had the chief command. Bonaparte, as an 
inferior officer, knew no principle, no duty, 
but obedience to his commander. 

But it shouM be recollected, that the day 
would have been much more fatal than it 
really was, had Bonaparte fully obeyed the 
orders which he had received : for his inces- 
sant firing of powder only during the night, 
produced the desired effect, impeded the sec- 
tions in their attempts to rally, disheartened 
the leaders of the insurrection, and thus sav- 
ed the lives of the people. 

A general who was afterwards in compa- 
ny where the 13th Vendemiaire was intro- 
duced, said, in a manner which affected all 
who heard him : " We must not judge with- 
out knowing our ground ; the Parisians are 
not aware how much they owe to Bona- 
parte : had he literally followed his orders, 
no day had ever been more bloody !" 

After the inauguration of the directory, 
Bonaparte as general of the armed force, 
waited on each of the five directors. Carnot 
lived at the top of a house, beneath the ruins 
of the Luxembourg, the apartments prepar- 
ing for him not being ready. It was on Mon- 
day that Bonaparte presented himself, which 
was the day in the week on which a certain 
author was in the habit of regularly visiting 
Carnot. When Bonaparte entered, this au- 
thor was singing a new air, which a young la- 



24 THE HISTORY OV 

• ■ ' ' ■'-^^- 

dy accompanied on the piano-forte. The ap- 
pearance of Bonaparte stopped the music. 
Seeing five or six tall young men, his aides- 
de-camp, come into the room, followed by a 
well-made man, introducing and expressing 
himself with dignity, and bowing to the com- 
pany with an air of ease and politeness, which 
formed a striking contrast with the manners 
and appearance of most of the generals who 
had appeared before, such as Rossignol and 
Santerre : the author asked Carnot in a whis- 
per, " who that gentleman was ?" Carnot an- 
swered, " He is the general of the armed 
force of Paris."...." What is his name ?".... 
" His name is Bonaparte."...." Is he a mian of 
sense?"...." I really do not know."...." Has he 
great military skill ?"...." So it is said.".... 
" What has he ever done that is remarkable ?" 
...." He is the officer who commanded the 
troops of the convention on the 13th of Ven- 
demiaire." This was enough for the inqui- 
rer ; the shade deepened in his countenance ; 
he was one of the electors of Vendemiaire, 
bigottedly attached to his own opinions ; and 
he retired silently to a corner observing him, 
whose countenance beamed with an expressi- 
on, which could not fail to have pleased him, 
but from what Carnot had told him. 

Bonaparte seeing the young lady had dis- 
continued playing on her instrument, and the 
company attending to him solely, said, " I 
have stopped your amusement, somebody was 
singing, I beg I may not interrupt the party." 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 25 



The director apologized, the general insisted, 
and the lady at length, played and sung two 
or three patriotic airs. Bonaparte having 
amused himself a few minutes, arose and 
took his leave. 

When he had retired, he became the sub- 
ject of conversation, and Carnot asserted, 
" That Bonaparte would not be long in the 
same situation :" the event has more than 
completely verified the prediction. 

Not long after, he married the widow of M. 
de Beauharnois, a beautiful French woman, 
who had experienced a variety of persecutions 
during the time of Robespierre. M. de Beau- 
harnois had attained the rank of general in 
the service of the republic, and had always 
acted as a friend to liberty. On the day when 
Louis XVI. and his family entered Paris, M. 
de Beauharnois was president of the national 
assembly, and exhibited great dignity of de- 
portment ; notwithstanding which, he was a 
victim to the hatred of the terrorists, who, 
joining the narrow ideas of sectarists to the 
ferocious character peculiar to themselves, per- 
secuted all those whose opinions were not ex- 
actly conformable to their own standard ; and 
M. de Beauharnois, with a great number of 
others, died by the guillotine. By tt^is mar- 
riage, Bonaparte obtained a fortune of five 
hundred thousand livres, and the chief com- 
mand of the Italian army. 

A little previous to his departure for Italy, 
whilst visiting a friend, he sketched his in- 

D 



26 THE HISTORY OF 

tended campaign memoriter, and pointed out 
Millesimo as the first theatre of his victories. 
He traced the whole plan, proposing to drive 
the Austrians from Italy, by the defiles of the 
Tyrol, and at the bottom of the scheme wrote ; 
" And at the gates of Vienna I shall grant 
them peace. ^"^ 

Upon his promotion to the commandj being 
but twenty-six years of age, one of his friends 
remarked to him, " You are very young to 
go thus, and take the chief command of an 
army:" he replied, " I shall be old when I re- 
turn." 

Bonaparte is rather below the middle sta- 
ture, but admirably proportioned : though his 
figure be thin, he is very muscular, and cal- 
culated to bear the greatest fatigue. His fea- 
tures are small and meagre. His nose is 
aquiline ; his dark blue eyes are fiery, and 
expressive of great genius. His forehead is 
square and projects ; his chin is prominent, 
and raised like that of the Apollo Belvidere. 
He is of a pale olive complexion, with hollow 
cheeks. His countenance is melancholy, yet 
it indicates a superior and exalted mind. His 
hair is of a dark chesnut colour, approaching 
nearly to black, which he wears without pow- 
der, and closely cropped. His air, though 
serious, is open : and when roused, his com- 
plexion reddens, and his body becomes all 
energy and nerve. He possesses uncommon 
attainments ; converses freely and without pe- 
dantry on all subjects ; and writes and speaks 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 27 

with fluency and eloquence. Above all things 
he has attempted, and in a great measure ob- 
tained, the government of his passions. He is 
very abstemious at his meals, and was never 
seen in the slightest degree intoxicated. 

The following portrait of Bonaparte is 
from a French author, which we must admit 
to be a flattering likeness. 

" He is habitually of a silent and contem- 
*' plative disposition ; and preserves an invio- 
" lable secrecy by means of a rigorous si- 
" lence, far better than other men do by a lo- 
*• quacious hypocrisy : yet, he is not devoici 
" of the French politeness and gaiety. To a 
** courage at once ardent and daring, he unites 
'* a coolness which nothing can derange ; to 
*' the vast conception of genius, all those stra* 
*' tagems of war which Hannibal practised so 
" ably against the Romans ; the deepest re- 
" flection to the most rapid execution ; all the 
" impetuosity of youth, to the experience of 
*' riper years ; the sagacity of the politician, 
*' to the talents of a great general ; and to a 
<' desire of glory, and the spirit of former 
*' conquerors, the virtues of sober wisdom, 
" and every sentiment of humanity and mode- 
*' ration : politics, and the military art, are so 
*' much the favourite studies of his mind, as 
*' to be carried almost to enthusiasm and pas? 
" sion; and from his opposite qualities, he h 
*' eqvially great in peace as in war/' 



CampaigJis of 1796 and 1797, in Italy, 

THE French army had durmg the cam- 
paign of 1795, suffered very considerably, 
and the want of pay and comfortable subsist- 
ence had excited so much discontent among 
the soldiers, that during the following win- 
ter, the generals gave all who were dissatisfi- 
ed permission to depart ; and thus many of the 
worst soldiers returned to France. Although 
the French government had resolved to carry 
on the war with energy in Italy, they disguised 
their proceedings, and eluded the vigilance of 
the coalition ; who, from knowing the weak 
and disorderly state of the southern army, 
concluded that no great efforts were necessa' 
ry to resist its progress. In January and Fe-- 
bruary 1796, the directory assembled an ar- 
my of nearly 40,000 of those troops who had 
been engaged in Spain, and stationed them in 
Languedoc, Roussillon and Provence. They 
arrived in the territory of Genoa in the be-' 
ginning of April, and with the remains of the 
former army formed a body of 56,000 men. 



THE HISTORY OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 29 

The German government had increased the 
Austrian army, so as to place general Beau- 
lieu at the head of 50,000 men ; general Col- 
li commanded about 20,000 Piedmontese, and 
the Due d'Aouste was in Savoy with 15,000 
men, to watch the motions of general Keller- 
man. Besides these, the Pope, the king of 
Naples, and the emperor of Germany, had 
assembled large bodies of additional troops, 
to repel any attempts which the French might 
make upon Italy. 

When Bonaparte assumed the command of 
the army of Italy, he found himself with 
troops less numerous than those of the ene- 
my, not clothed, without arms and ammuni- 
tion, and dispirited by their diversified neces- 
sities. A man of common endowments, un- 
der these circumstances, would have been de- 
pressed and dismayed. Bonaparte beheld 
nothing in them, but the necessity of acting 
without delay. " If we are conquered," said 
he, "I shall yet be powerful ; we are there- 
fore in want of nothing." From Geneva 
some of his deficiencies were supplied, and 
success very soon filled his army with a pro- 
fusion of every thing of which they were in 
need. 

As soon as he arrived at the head-quarters, 
which was early in the spring of 1796, he 
prepared for the campaign, determining to 
commence it as soon as the melting of the 
snow favoured the march of his troops. It 
was during the interval of time which elaps- 



30 THE HISTORY OF 

cd between his arrival and the first military- 
movements , that he laid the foundation of all 
his successes : he made use of every means 
to secure the affections of his soldiers. ...lived 
with them on terms of the greatest familiari- 
ty.. ..marched on foot before them.. ..submitted 
to all the hardships which they experienced.... 
alleviated their distresses....redressed their 
grievances. ...and paid attention to every pri- 
vate's complaints. This conduct speedily 
gained him the warm attachment of his sol- 
diers, which was augmented in proportion as 
his talents and success proved that he was al-' 
together deserving of their confidence. 

Carnot drew the outlines of the plan of this 
campaign, which the ardour and skill of Bo- 
naparte qualified him to realize and surpass. 
Unlike the former, it was not restrained to the 
attack and defence of posts, but exhibits a 
scientifick appearance : the courses of the ri-^ 
vers, the heights and direction of the moun- 
tains, the various governments, and the views 
of the people of Italy were all surveyed, and 
every thing connected with the success of the 
army; studied and consolidated. 

The French army, standing on the defen- 
sive, was cantoned on the barren rocks of the 
river Final ; the head-quarters were fixed at 
Albenga, and the advanced posts reached to 
Voltri, between Genoa and Savona. 

The Austrians possessed the heights of 
Savona, Sarsello, Musona, Campo-Fredo, 
the Bochetta, and the valleys of the Trebia 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. SI 



and the Sere via, having the command of the 
two roads from Genoa to the Milanese. The 
Piedmontese were stationed at the foot of the 
Alps, extending from the Col de Tendi to Cai- 
ro, so as to secure the passes which led into 
Piedmont. The Bochetta is a chain of 
mountains, over which, forming endless 
windings, passes the great road leading from 
Genoa to Lombardy. On the top of the 
heights of these mountains, the road contracts 
itself so much, that scarcely three persons 
can travel abreast. It is properly speaking, 
this pass which is known by the name of Bo- 
chetta, and which is the key to the Genoese 
territories. 

Thus were the contending armies situated 
when hostilities commenced. The campaign 
opened on the 9th of April. The French 
threatened many points of the army at once, 
to confuse the allies, and by dividing to weak- 
en their force. It was effectual, for it actu- 
ated the Piedmontese to extend their line. By 
propagating a report that he intended to take 
Genoa, and by ordering general Laharpe with 
12,000 men to advance very near to that city, 
Bonaparte induced general Beaulieu to leave 
Alexandria, and to advance to Novi, to de- 
fend the defile of Bochetta ; the latter imme- 
diately detached a strong corps to take post 
before Genoa, and through wishing to keep 
up his communication with the army under 
general Colli, his front occupied nearly twenty 
leagues, which materially injured his position. 



32 THE HISTORY OF 

On the 20th of Germinal, ninth of April, 
general Beaulieu attacked the division under 
general Cervoni, and forced it to return to the 
centre of the army, which was posted on the 
heights of Savona. The next day^ he conti- 
nued his movements, and succeeded in his 
attempts upon all the advanced posts of the 
French army, except Montenotte, which it 
was indispensably necessary to conquer, be- 
fore the expectation of cutthig off the retreat 
of the division which had been repulsed, could 
be realized. Eighteen hundred men under 
the command of Rampon, resisted all the Aus- 
trian efforts to gain possession of this impor- 
tant redoubt, and night prevented the conti- 
nuation of the contest. 

While these measures were auspicious to 
the allies in front, Bonaparte, who had fore- 
seen the retreat, had strengthened his posts 
upon the flank of the Austrian army, and 
during the night of the 21st, tenth of April, 
sent Massena with a division to gain their 
rear. On the 22d, eleventh, general Beaulieu 
began the battle at break of day ; the success 
was various, and the victory undecided, until 
Massena appeared in the rear, which threw 
the Austrian army into confusion, and forced 
them to retreat ; Bonaparte pursued them to 
Cairo : the loss of the Austrians amounted 
to 3,500 men, of which 2,500 were prison- 
ers. 

Bonaparte immediately removed his head- 
quarters to Carcara, and established himself 



. NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 41 

the extreme. Bonaparte had also planted all 
his artillery in the form of a battery, and a 
heavy cannonading was commenced, which 
continued several hours. 

As soon as the major part of the French 
army came up, Bonaparte called his generals, 
and informed them of his design to cross the 
bridge. The plan was unanimously disap- 
proved of by them : but Bonaparte assembled 
a council of grenadiers, and made thetn an 
energetic harangue, which induced them to 
undertake the attack, although he did not 
dissemble the dangers which attended this 
coup-de-main. Four thousand grenadiers and 
carabiniers. formed themselves into a solid 
column, and marched to the bridge. Hav- 
ing begun to cross the bridge, they were sa- 
luted with such an incessant shower of grape 
shot, that the foremost ranks were swept 
away, to the amount of 700 men, and they 
had begun to hesitate about proceeding any 
further, when Massena, Berthier, Cervoni,- 
Dallemagne, Lasnes and Dupat, rushed 
from • the ranks, put themselves at the head 
of the troops, encouraged them by their words 
and example, and Bonapane now appearing 
to animate them, they crossed the bridge, de- 
termined on death or victory, chaunting the 
Marseilles hymn, and shouting " Vive la Re- 
publique." The shock was so great, that the 
Austrian troops were discomfited, and their 
cannon taken ; the remainder of the French 

F . 



42 THE HISTORY OF 

army immediately followed, and the Austrians 
not being able to maintain their ground, re- 
treated to Mantua, having lost about 2,000 
men in this action, an immense quantity of 
baggage, and 20 pieces of cannon. 

The French after the battle of Fombio pur- 
sued the Austrians to Pizzighitone, but the 
Adda interposing, its capture was retarded, 
as the French had it not in their power to 
cross the river. As general Beaulieu how- 
ever, after the battle of Lodi, had fled to- 
wards Mantua, and the French were closely 
following him, neither this place nor Cremo- 
na could be saved. Pizzighitone was invest- 
ed on the 22d, the eleventh of May, and the 
French entered it the day following : Cremona 
surrendered without any resistance, and the 
advanced guard of the army continued their 
course to Milan. 

General Beaulieu having left 1,800 men m 
tKe citadel, evacuated that city on the 25th, 
fourteenth, and Massena with 4,000 French 
entered it on the 26th, fifteenth : Bonaparte 
made his triumphal entry into the city on the 
27th, sixteenth, and the castle surrendered 
after a siege of ten days. 

Bonaparte having prepared himself by a 
short repose, to pursue the remains of the 
Austrian army, addressed his troops on the 
1st of Prairial, twentieth of May, in the fol- 
lowing manner : 

*' Soldiers I You have rushed likeVi toi'rent from the sum- 
mits of the Appennine mountains, overthrown and dispossess- 
ed eyery thing that opposed your march. 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE; 43 



<■' The Piedmontese, delivered from the yoke of Austrian ty- 
ranny, have declared the sentiments that were natural to them 
of peace and amity for the French. 

" Milan belongs to you, and the republican flag is displayed 
throughout Lombardy. The dukes of Parma and Modena 
owe entirely their political existence to your generosity and 
clemency. 

« The army that threatened you with so much haughtiness, 
is compelled to seek safety in flight. The Po, Tessin, and 
the Adda, could not by their streams stop one moment your 
impetuosity. These vaunted bulwarks of lialy incited your 
contempt, you passed them \vith the same rapidity that yoa 
surmounted the Appennines, 

<' Your successes have filled the bosom of your country with 
joy. Your representatives have dedicated a festival to your 
victories, which brought together the people of the republic,. 
There, your parents, wives, sisters, and mistresses, rejoiced 
at your successes, and owned you with pride. 

"Yes, soldiers, you have done much. ...But does there not 
yet remain more for you to do ?.... Shall it be said that yoa 
knew how to gain victories, but not how to make a proper use 
of them?. ...Shall posterity reproach you for having found a 
Capua in Lombardy ?....But I already behold you fly to arms : 
you cannot find rest on the down of sloth : you cannot dispense 
with glory, without a diminution of your happiness. Let us 
then be vigilant and resume our occupation. We have yet 
some forced marches to make. There remain still some 
enemies to subdue, some raurels tp reap, and some injuries 
to avenge. 

« Let those tremble who have sharpened the poignards of 
civil war in our country, who have basely assassinated our mi- 
nisters, and set fire to our vessels at Toulon : Let them trem- 
ble. ...the hour of vengeance has sounded. 

« But let the people be without disquietude, we are cordially 
their friends. Nor are we without amity for the descendants 



44 THE HISTORY OF 

of Briuus and Scifiio, and those other great men whom we 
have taken for our model. 

" To re-establish the capitol, and place there with honour 
again, the statues of the heroes that gave it celebrity ; to re- 
call to life the Roman spirit, benumbed several ages by slave- 
ry : such will be the effect, soldiers, of your victories ; victo- 
ries that will make a new sera in the annals of the world, and 
confer on you the immortal glory of having changed the ffice 
of the Eden of Europe. 

" The Fi-ench people, free, and respected in every quarter 
of the globe, will give to Europe a glorious peace, which will 
indemnify the sacrifices of every kind which they have made du- 
ring six years. You will resume then the calm tranquiUity of 
your fire-sides, and your fellow-citizens will say, in presenting 
you respectively to their friends : T/iis man belonged to the ar- 
my of Italy.'" ' 

The duke of Modena, at this period, soli- 
cited and obtained an armistice from Bona- 
parte, as a prelude to peace, upon terms ve- 
ry similar to that which had been granted to 
the duke of Parma. 

On the 5th of Prairial, May twenty -fourth, 
a general insurrection broke out against the 
French. The inhabitants of the towns and 
villages armed themselves, trampled the na- 
tional cockade under foot, cut down the trees 
of liberty, and massacred all the small par- 
ties of the republicans. The inhabitants of 
Pavia, assisted by 6,000 peasants, disarmed 
the French garrison, and took it prisoner. 
The garrison at Milan, upon a similar at- 
tempt against them, dispersed the insurgents, 
and killed great numbers- of them. Bona^ 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 45 

parte had begun his march, when he heard of 
this revoh. He immediately returned, burnt 
the village of Binasco, slew a hundred of its 
inhabitants, beat down the gates of Pavia, 
delivered the garrison and pillaged the town : 
these severe measures speedily quelled the 
insurgents. 

General Beaulieu had during the time that 
these events occurred, crossed the Oglio and 
the Mincio, and assumed a new position ; his 
right was supported by the lake of Garda and 
the fortress of Peschiera, his left by Man- 
tua, and the whole of his line was covered 
by batteries. 

Bonaparte having resolved to cross the 
Mincio at Borghetto, arrived there on the 
10th, twenty-ninth ; the van-guard of the 
Austrian army, consisting of 4,000 infantry 
and 1,800 horse, defended the approaches to 
it, The French forced all the redoubts, which 
induced the Austrians to cross the bridge, 
one of whose arches they destroyed. The 
repairing of the bridge causing a great de- 
lay, and being a work of much difficulty, 
under the continual fire of the Austrian bat- 
teries ; about fifty grenadiers, led by general 
Gardanne, threw themselves into the river, 
and immersed to the chin in water, with their 
muskets elevated above their heads, forded it 
to the astonishment of the Austrians, who 
immediately retired. 

The bridge was easily rendered secure in 
consequence of-this act of intrepidity, an4 



i 



46 THE HISTORY OF 

the French troops took possession of Valeg- 
gio, Beauheu's head-quarters, not long be- 
fore abandoned. Augereau was now order- 
ed to surround Peschiera, and to cut off the 
retreat of the Austrians ; but the latter anti- 
cipated this design, hastened away by Cas- 
telnuovo, and effected their retreat. Beau- 
lieu before his departure supplied Mantua 
with provisions, garrisoned it with 12,000 
men and retired into the Tyrol. 

On the 12th, thirty -first, the French march- 
ed to Rivoli, but general Beaulieu had cross- 
ed the Adige, and carried off almost all the 
bridges. These skirmishes cost the Austri- 
ans 1,500 men and 500 horses. Beaulieu's 
army was reduced when he reached the Ty- 
rol to 14,000 men. 

Whilst Bonaparte was reviewing a half 
brigade, a private of the light infantry ap- 
proached him, and said, " General ! so and 
so ought to be done." " Fool," answered 
he, '' wilt thou be silent ?"....He instantly dis- 
appeared. The general made the most dili- 
gent search for him, but in vain ; his advice 
however, was an exact counterpart of the 
orders which Bonaparte was then upon the 
point of issuing. 

Massena took possession of Verona on the 
X3th Prairial, June the first ; and Mantua, 
the only fortress in Italy in the possession of 
'the Austrians, was immediately invested; but 
its peculiar situation, the want of artillery and 
©ther causes rendered the blockade incom- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. ^V 

plete. On the 16th, June 4th, the French 
became masters of the suburbs of St. George, 
and fixed then- head-quarters at La Favorite ; 
the grenadiers with a running fire, were ad- 
vancing on the causeway, and even forming 
themselves into a cohtmn with the intention 
of taking Mantua by assauk ; when the bat- 
teries which hned the ramparts were shewn to 
them : " At Lodi," said they, " there were 
many more." But the circumstances being 
dissimilar, they were ordered to return. 

General Augereau at break of day left Cas- 
tiglione Mantovano. After he had crossed 
the Mincio beyond the lake, he advanced tO" 
wards the suburb of Cheriale, carried the in- 
trenchments, the tower, and forced the ene- 
my to retreat within the walls of Mantua. A 
drummer, aged twelve years, singularly dis* 
tinguished himself ; during the hottest of the 
firing he climbed over the top of the tower to 
open its gate. 

At San Georgio is a convent of nuns ; be- 
ing much exposed they abandoned their re- 
treat, and some of the French soldiers post- 
ed themselves in it : no sooner had they 
passed the threshold, than the sound of 
groans struck their ears ; they flew to an in- 
ner yard, and bursting open the door of a dis^ 
mal cell, found a young lady seated on a decay- 
ed chair, whose arms were bound with iron 
chains ; the affrighted girl begged for life, and 
her irons were immediately removed. She 
appeared to be about twenty-two years old, 



4^ THE HISTORY OF 

and had been in that shuation four years, for 
no other reason than because, that in a coun- 
try, the seat of love, and in the years of ex- 
quisite sensibiUty, she had attempted to es- 
cape, and obey the tender impulses of her 
heart. The grenadiers took the best care of 
her, and she expressed much predilection for 
the French. She had been handsome, and 
to melancholy, the consequence of her mis- 
fortunes, she united the vivacity of the cli- 
matCi On the entrance of any person into 
her cell, she appeared anxious and troubled : 
this was found to arise from the dread of see- 
ing her former tyrants again. She intreated 
for God's sake to let her breath the fresh air; 
and when told that showers of case-shot fell 
around her dwelling, " Ah .'" she replied, 
*' to remain here is to me worse than death.'" 

Determined to carry the war into the Ty- 
rol, Bonaparte preceded his march by a pro- 
clamation:.... 

BONAPARTE, TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE 
TYROL. 

Head-Quarters Torlona, 26 Prairial^ June fourteenth. 
« I am about passing through your territories, brave Tyro- 
lians, to force the court of Vienna to a peace, as necessary to 
Europe, as to its OAvn subjects. It is your own proper cause for 
whichi am going to contend. How long have you suffered the 
fatigues and horrors of a war, undertaken not for the interests 
of the German people, but to glut the passions of a single 
family. 

■ « The French army respects every people, but particularly 
;the.siraple and virtuous inhabitants of the mountains. Your 
religion and customs shall ever be respected. Our troops 



NAPGLEON BONAPARTE. 49 



shall maintain the strictest discipline, and nothing will be 
taken in the countiy, without being paid for in specie. You 
will receive us hospitably, and we will treat you with fraterni- 
ty and friendship. 

" But if there he any among you so lost to their true interests 
as to take up arms, and receive us as enemies, to them we shall 
be dreadful as the fire of heaven ; we shall burn the houses, 
and lay vi^aste the country and villages of those who may take 
an active part in a war that concerns them not. 

" Beware of the agents of Austria, do not suffer them to 
lead you into error. Preserve your country, already afflicted 
by a five years war, from the woes which threaten it. The ca^ 
binet of Austria will be forced, by a peace, to return to the 
people the privileges which it has usurped, and to Europe 
the tranquillity which it has disturbed." 

New troubles arose in the Imperial fiefs in 
the neighbourhood of Genoa, Tuscany and 
Piedmont: Bonaparte's communication with 
the former place was threatened to be cut off, 
his convoys were attacked, his couriers mur- 
dered, and the French detachments slain in 
every part of the country. General Lasnes 
entered these dominions with 1,200 men, ap- 
prehended and shot the chiefs in the revolt, 
burnt their houses, and destroyed the domain 
of Arquata, whose owner had particularly 
distinguished himself in exciting the commo- 
tion. 

In the mean time a column of the French 
army marched towards the lake of Coma, 
took the fort of Fuentes, and instantaneously 
demolished it. 

G 



S6 tHE HISTORt OF 

General Augereau with his division, pass- 
ed the Fo on the 28th of Prairial, Jnne six- 
teenth, and arrived at Bologna Messidor 1st, 
June nineteenth, in which town they captur- 
ed 400 of the Pope's soldiers. 

Bonaparte left Tortona Prairial 29th, June 
seventeenth, reached Modena Messidor 1st, 
nineteenth, ordered the garrison of the castle 
of Urbino, 300 men to surrender, and canti- 
Bued his route to Bologna. 

A division of the French army marched 
immediately towards Ferrara and Faenza, 
which submitted to it and insured the eon- 
quest af Romagna. 

General Vaubois proceeded from Reggio, 
and on the 8th of Messidor, June twenty- 
sixth, arrived at Pistoie ; general Murat soon 
followed, at the head of the advanced guard, 
and passed the Arno at Fucechio ; on the 
10th, twenty-eighth, instead of continuing 
his progress towards Sienna, to which it was 
generally understood he was ordered, he sud- 
denly changed his route and took the roadta 
Leghorn. Bonaparte quitted Pistoie the 
same day, and commenced his march to join 
that column. All the property of any power 
with which France was at war, was seized, 
and a strong garrison stationed in that city. 
Bonaparte left it the next day, rested at Flo- 
rence, and dined with the grand duke of 
Tuscany, accompanied by Berthier, and hav- 
ing with him part of his head guards. 

In Romagna, a spirit of insurrection was 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 51 

discovered, and Bonaparte feeling it necessa- 
ry at once to repress it, on the 18th, July- 
sixth, directed that Lugo, which v/as notiii- 
ed as the head-quarters of the disaffected, 
should be subdued. The insurgents would 
listen to no terms, upon which general Auge- 
reau attacked that town, and although the am- 
bassador from Spain interposed, the spirit of 
the people could not be calmed. After a 
combat of three hours, in which the rebels 
lost a thousand men, and the French two 
hundred, the troops entered the town, pil- 
laged it of every thing valuable, and sold the 
booty at auction in the market place. 

Whilst these events v/ere passing in Italy, 
general Beaulieu had been recalled by the 
Austrian government, all the troops in Carin- 
thia and Styria had been sent by forced march- 
es into the Tyrol, and general Wurmser 
was ordered to take 30,000 choice men from 
the Rhine, and assume the command of this 
ntw Italian army These levies combined 
formed a body of 60,000 men. 

After the battle of Borghetto, a few unim- 
portant skirmishes took place, which tend- 
ed only to secure to the French the preponde- 
rance which they had already obtained. 

The siege of Mantua was continued ; on 
the 28th July, sixteenth, early in the morn- 
ing, 1,500 men from the garrison on one 
side, and 300 on the other, sallied out with 
the design of destroying the French batte- 



St ' THE HISTORY OF 

ries, but after a skirmish of two hours they 
were forced to return unsuccessful. On the 
SOth, eighteenth, about midnight, a fierce 
attack was made upon the town by the be- 
siegers, which burnt many buildings ; and in 
the morning the garrison rushed upon the 
camp before the town with great vigour, but 
the French bayonets resisted the shock and 
disconcerted alt their designs. 

At this juncture Bonaparte having finished 
the construction of the trenches, and the bat- 
teries being nearly ready to begin operations, 
demanded the surrender of the city, which 
was peremptorily refiised. 

On the 1 1th Thermidor, twenty-ninth of Ju- 
ly, general Wurmser began his march against 
the French. He divided his army into three 
bodies. The right wing directed its course 
to Salo and Brescia ; the left towards the Po, 
whilst the centre advanced to the Mincio, to 
attack the front of the French army between 
Mantua and Peschiera. 

The former forced the posts of Salo and 
Brescia ; the centre took Corona, obliged the 
French to evacuate Verona, and conquering 
all the French posts upon the Adige, drove 
them back as far as the Mincio. Bonaparte, 
at this crisis, was very nearly surrounded by 
the enemy; he therefore on the 12th, thirti- 
eth, raised the siege of Mantua, leaving be- 
hind him 134 pieces of cannon and 140,000 
shells and balls. During the same night he 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 



marched his troops to regain the positions 
from which the Austrians had expelled them. 

A continued series of actions now took 
place. On the 13th, thirty-first, Lonado was 
re-taken : the next day Augereau entered 
Brescia, and found all the magazines just as 
the French had left them. On the 16 th, third 
of August, there was a general battle, includ- 
ing the attack and defence of Salo, Lonado 
and Castiglione, which ended in the complete 
defeat of the Austrians ; their loss consisted 
of 3,000 men killed and wounded, and 4,000 
prisoners. 

On the 17th a skirmish took place between 
general Dallemagne and the Austrians with- 
out much advantage to either of the armies. 

General Wurmser having collected all his 
force, ranged his troops in order of bat- 
tle, in the plain between Scanello and Chiu- 
sa. Bonaparte also ordered all his columns 
to re-unite, and repaired to Lonado with 
1,200 men, to review his troops and to choose 
those whom he thought most suitable for the 
arduous duty before them. He had scarcely 
entered the town when he received a mes- 
sage summoning its commander to sur- 
render, and representing that it would be fol- 
ly to resist, as the place was on all sides sur- 
rounded, and that the great disparity of num- 
bers would render all resistance ineffectual. 
Bonaparte directed the herald to be introduc- 
ed into his presence. " Go tell your gene- 
^' ral," said Bonaparte, " that if he be desi- 



THE HISTORY OF 



" rous to insult the French army, I am here, 
" and he shall not do it with impunity : iii- 
" form him that I know he commands one 
" only of the shattered columns which our 
" troops cut off from his army ; that if he dis- 
" charge a single shot, and if his column do 
" not lay down their arms in eight minutes 
" after receiving this message, I will not give 
" one man of them any quarter. Unbind 
" the eyes of this gentleman, let him see 
" the person who is speaking to him ; let him 
" behold general Bonaparte : there ! tell 
" your general what a prize he may make ! 
" Begone sir, begone!" The Austrian gene- 
ral desired to be heard, and propased a capi- 
tulation. " No," rejoins Bonaparte, " you 
are all prisoners of war." The Austrians 
began to hold a consultation : Bonaparte or- 
dered the light artillery to advance with the 
grenadiers, and to begin the attack : upon 
which the Austrian general exclaimed, " We 
surrender!" This corps consisted of 4,000 
men, and 50 Heulans, who with their artille- 
ry and colours were captured by the French. 

The French continued their march during 
the night, and on the 18 th, fifth, at day- 
break, saw the Austrians, whose line was de- 
fended by a large train of artillery. The 
French commenced the attack, and general 
Serrurier having proceeded tov/ards Castigli- 
one, and charged them in the rear, the Aus- 
trians retreated to the Mincio, leaving behind 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE, 55 

them 800 prisoners, 18 pieces of cannon, be- 
sides 120 ammunition waggons. 

On the 19th, sixth, the French entered 
Mincio, and Massena passed with his divisi- 
on to Peschiera, where the Austrians were 
encamped, attacked them in their intrench- 
ments, forced them to fly, and took from them 
12 pieces of cannon with 700 prisoners. 

These various movements compelled the 
Austrians to raise the siege of Peschiera, 
and to quit their position on the Mincio. On 
the 20th, seventh, general Serrurier march- 
ed to Verona, which the van-guard of the 
Austrians still held ; the gates were shut, 
and the draw-bridges lifted ; the town v/as 
summoned to admit the French troops, which 
the governor peremptorily refused. The 
gates were now bombarded, and the French 
entered, capturing several hundred prisoners^ 
and a considerable quantity of baggage. 

This affair enabled the French to resume 
all their old positions. 

During these operations, general Wurmser 
assisted Mantua with a large supply of am- 
munition and provisions. The whole loss of 
the Austrians on these five days, amounted, 
according to the account of Bonaparte, to 70 
pieces of cannon, all their covered waggons, 
from 12 to 15,000 prisoners, and 6,000 killed 
or wounded. General Wurmser's account, 
transmitted to the Aulic council of war, al- 
lowed his loss to have been upwards of 17,000 
tnen, iticluding 391 officers. 



56 THE HISTORY OF 

In the course of this short expedition Bo- 
naparte was exposed to great danger. The 
ofiacer who commanded the Austrian flotilla 
on the lake of Garda, having on the 13th of 
Thermidor, July thirty-first, defeated that of 
the French, disembarked his troops in the pe- 
ninsula of Cermione, and placed them in am- 
buscade on the road from Brescia to Pes- 
chiera. His soldiers had orders not to fire, 
and to stop no persons but such as might seem 
to be of consequence. In the evening, Bo- 
naparte and Berthier, with their staff, re-^ 
turning from Brescia, ^passed along that road, 
preceded by three hussars. The Croats who 
were in ambuscade, hearing some cavalry 
arrive at a quick rate, sprung on the high 
road, and fired on the three hussars. Two 
of them were killed, but the third having 
been missed, he turned his horse and cried 
out, " General, save yourself:" the whole 
party galloped off and escaped all the shots 
which were fired at them. 

Not long after he was within two minutes 
of being captured by the Austrian hussars, 
at Goito. 

The Austrians still occupied Corona and 
Montebaldo, upon which Bonaparte ordered 
Massena to march thither, who carried these 
two posts and Preabolo on the 24th, August 
eleventh. General St. Hilaire the next day 
attacked the posts of Roque and Anfonce, and 
after a slight skirmish at Lodron, took 1,100 
prisoners and 6 pieces of cannon, with baggage* 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 57 

General Wurmser having burnt his vessels 
on the lake of Garda, and evacuated Riva, 
fixed his head-quarters on the 2d of Fructi- 
dor, August nineteenth, two leagues above 
the Trent. On the 7th, tVv^enty-fourth, ge- 
neral Sahaguet re-commenced the blockade 
of Mantua, and attacked the bridges of Go- 
vernolo and Borgafort, of which he gained 
possession. 

Bonaparte, according to his custom, is- 
sued a proclamation previous to his entrance 
into the Tyrol : 
BONAPARTE TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE 
TYROL. 
*^ Head-Quarters, Brescia^ IS jFructidor, August thirtieth. 
".You solicit the protection of the French array. If you 
expect that protection you must shew yourselves worthy 
of it. Since the majority are well disposed, compel the few 
mal-contents who are among you to be peaceable. Their out- 
rageous conduct has a tendency to bring upon their native 
country all the calamities of war. 

" The superiority of the French arms is now manifest. The 
Emperor's ministers, bought by English gold, betray their 
country. That unfortunate prince commits an error in every 
measure which he adopts, 

*' You wish for peace ? The French are fighting for that ob- 
ject. We march into your territory for the express purpose 
of ^obliging the court of Vienna to accede to the prayer of de- 
solated Europe, and to listen to the intreaties of the people.... 
We come not here with a view of extending our dominions. 
Nature has pointed out the limits of France by the intersection 
of the Alps and the Rhine ; in the same manner she has placed 
the Tyrol as a line of demarcation for the house of Austria, 

H 



5B THE HISTORY OF 



" Tyrolians ! whatever your past conduct may have been, 
return to your habitations ! abandon the colours which have 
been so often disgraced, and which you are unable to defend. 

" The conquerors of the Alps and Italy are now opposed 
to an host of enemies. They are in pursuit of a few victims, 
whom the generosity of my country commands me to spare. 

« We are formidable in battle, but we are the friends of 
those who give us an hospitable reception. 

" The religion, the customs, and the property of the com- 
munes which submit, shall be respected* 

" The communes Avhose Tyrolian inhabitants have not re* 
turned on our arrival, shall be burnt ; the inhabitants seized as 
hostages and sent to France. 

« When a commune has stibmitted, the syndics shall be 
bound to deUver, in one hour after, a list of the inhabitants 
who are in the pay of the Emperor ; and if they should side 
with the Austrians, their houses shall be immediately burnt? 
and their relations arrested and sent to France. 

" The Tyrolians who shall co-operate with the enemy, and 
be taken vrith arms in their hands, shall be instantly shot. 

" The generals of division are charged with the strictest ex- 
ecution of this arret. 

« BONAPARTE." 

Bonaparte, who had been at Milan for se- 
veral days, returned on the 15th, September 
first, to Verona, where he found that gene- 
ral Wurmser had stationed two-thirds of his 
army at Bassano, and the other third at Alia. 
In consequence of this intelligence, he or- 
dered general Vaubois, on the 14th, second, 
to join a part of his division which had em- 
barked at Salo ; general Massena to march to- 
wards Alia, and general Augereau repaired 
to the heights between Zugo and Rovera. 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. S« 

General Masse aa's advanced guard charg- 
ed that of theAustrians at Alia, on the 17th, 
third, and routed them. The latter were 
posted at Marco, and seemed disposed to make 
a vigorous resistance. His instructions en- 
joined him to arrive before Serravalle on the 
18 th, fourth, but he anticipated his orders 5 
general Pigeon, with the light infantry, at- 
tacked and forced the village in the night of 
the 17th, third. The next morning early, 
Massena begun the attack at Marco, and be^ 
ing supported by Vaubois at Mori, the Aus- 
trians after a few hours combat, retreated 
from their files and intrenchments, and fled 
in every direction. General Dubois pursu- 
ed the Austrians, and decided the day, but 
received three balls which occasioned his 
death. One of his aides-de-camp fell at his 
side. Bonaparte hastened to the gener.al as 
he was expiring, who looking at hiiifi, ad.- 
dressed him with great compostiire, *' I die 
" for the republic, and glory in my death : Is 
" our victory complete?"...*' It is," replied 
Bonaparte. " My last moments are then my 
'' sweetest," added the dying hero : " Success 
" to our arms." 

The Austrians retired to Roveredo, where 
general Wurmser had established a formida- 
ble line of defence, the centre of his army was 
supported by the castle of CoUiano, his left 
was strengthened by a steep mountain, and his 
right by the Adige. The French troops had 
been fighting and marching the whole of the 



60 THE HISTORY OF 

three days before, yet this position could in 
so short a time have been rendered impregna- 
ble, that Bonaparte thought it most prudent 
to try the event of an action immediately. 
Orders being given, the soldiers were instant- 
ly formed into columns, and general Dammar- 
tin commenced the engagement with 8 pieces 
of light artillery, whilst the grenadiers penetrat- 
ed to the intrenchments and cut down the bar- 
riers with their hatchets. On this the Austrians 
began their retreat, and being pursued by the 
cavalry, the victory was perfect.... 5,000 pri- 
soners, 25 pieces of cannon, an immense 
quantity of cartridges, and other supplies fell 
into the hands of the French. 

General Vaubois the same night joined 
JViassena, v/ho resumed the pursuit of the 
Austrians, and entered Trent on the 19th, 
fifth. Soon after their junction, Bonaparte 
directed the post of Lavls to be attacked, 
from which after an obstinate contest, the 
Austrians were dislodged with the loss of 400 
men prisoners. 

The Austrians after the battle of Rovere- 
do, intrenched themselves in the village of 
Priemolan, their left covered by Brenta, and 
their right by some mountains in the vicinity. 
General Augereau, on the morning of the 
21st, seventh, appeared before the Austrians, 
and after a severe conflict succeeded in driv- 
ing them from the village. The latter, how- 
ever, rallied again at the fort of Covelo, and 
made a formidable opposition to the progress 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 61 



of the French division. Bat the attack was 
so well supported, and a body of French 
troops, covered by the incessant fire of some 
artillery, having attained the heights on the 
right of the Austrians, their resistance be- 
came ineffectual. The post was at length 
abandoned, and a detachment sent by Auge- 
reau having reached the head of the column, 
the whole were obliged to surrender. 4,000 
prisoners, 10 pieces of cannon, 15 waggons, 
and several stands of colours were obtained 
by the French in this battle. 

On the day following the French and Austri- 
ans met at the opening of the defiles of Bren- 
ta, and near the villafje of Solagna : the head- 
quarters of the latter remained at Bassano. 
At 7 o'clock the action commenced; the 
strength of the position which the Austrians 
held, and the animation with which the pre- 
sence of their generals inspired them, resist- 
ed the impetuosity of the troops under the 
command of Massena and Augereau for a 
considerable time ; but their bravery eventu- 
ally overcame every obstacle, the Austrians 
were routed, and the French continued their 
march to Bassano; having entered the village 
in two different quarters, and captured the 
division which defended the bridge, they 
forced their way through it, although imped- 
ed by a large body of Austrian grenadiers 
who opposed their progress with fixed bayo- 
nets. The Austrian army lost upon this oc- 
casion 5,000 prisoners, 25 pieces of cannon, 



62 THE HISTORY OF 

and a large quantity of baggage. The gene- 
ral himself, and the army treasure, with dif- 
ficulty escaped. 

General Wurmser compelled to retreat from 
Bassano, hastened to Montebello, where he 
joined a division of his army consisting of 
4,500 cavalry and 5,000 infantry; in his 
march towards Mantua he attacked general 
Kilmain, who was stationed at Verona, but 
without success ; for during forty-eight hours 
he opened a well-directed fire upon theAustri- 
ans, and repelled all their attempts to force 
his quarters. The 23d, ninth, at night, ge- 
neral Wurmser began his march along the 
banks of the Adige, and crossed it at Porto 
Legnago. Hence it appearing evident that 
the obj ect of the Austrian general was to se- 
cure his retreat to Mantua, Bonaparte direct- 
ed general Massena towards Porto Legnago, 
and Sahuguet to Castellano, to destroy all the 
bridges upon the Malinella. 

The various movements made by Bona^- 
parte to cut off the retreat of general Wurm- 
ser, were nevertheless, from the rapidity of the 
latter's progress, unsuccessful. The French 
who had made themselves masters of the 
bridge of Cerea, were obliged to retire from 
it with some loss, which opened a free passage 
to the Austrians, who on the 26thj twelfth, 
captured a body of several hundred French 
light-horsemen near Castellano, and continu-i 
ed their route. 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 63 

Whilst these transactions employed the ma- 
jor part of the army, general Augereau with 
his division arrived on the 26th, twelfth, be- 
fore Porto Legnago, and immediately invest- 
ed it. The garrison speedily surrendered 
themselves prisoners of war, with 22 pieces 
of cannon. In the town they found and re- 
leased the cavalry who had been captured at 
Castellano. General Massena left Castellano 
early in the morning of the 28 th, fourteenth, 
and marched towards Mantua, with the in- 
tention of obtaining possession of the suburbs 
of St. George. A skirmish commenced 
about noon, which was attended with no other 
advantage than the confinement of the Austri- 
ans to narrower limits. 

General Wurmser arrived utider the walls 
of Mantua on the 26th, twelfth, with about 
10,000 men, the remainder of an army which 
not more than six weeks before formed the 
finest body of Austrian troops that ever left 
Germany. The reverses which the Austrians 
experienced were not owing to want of brave- 
ry, or to want of ability in their leader, for 
all his conduct manifested his address, the 
courage of the soldier, and the skill of the 
general ; his constancy, patience and intrepi- 
dity in this short but memorable campaign, 
acquired a lasting glory, which will attach to 
his name as long as the memory of his extra- 
ordinary opponent shall survive the lapse of 
time, and form an era in the historic page. The 
destruction of that army may be traced to the 



64 THE HISTORY OF 

separation of the Austrian generals ; Bona- 
parte knew that his force, was vastly inferior 
to that of the Austrians, he therefore entirely 
dispersed or captured the third part under 
general Q,uosdanovich, before general Wurm- 
ser could assist him : and the energy which 
his own army acquired, added to the anxiety 
which their enemies must have felt, contri- 
buted in no small degree to his astonishing 
success. 

The greater part of the garrison of Man- 
tua sallied out on the morning of the 27th to 
protect La Favorite and St. George, whilst 
they endeavoured to procure food for their 
horses. Bonaparte directed his generals to 
endeavour to cut off all communication be- 
tween the two forts, and between La Favorite 
and the citadel : these corps having begun 
the attack, the centre and left of the Austri- 
ans were charged, and the combat sustained 
with great spirit ; but the ardour of the French 
overturned all opposition, St. George was 
captured, and the Austrians retired into the 
city, having left behind them 2,000 prison- 
ers, and about 1,000 killed or wounded, 25 
pieces of cannon and some baggage. 

A corps of Austrians advanced from Man- 
tua towards Governolo, on the 2d Vendemi- 
aire, September twenty-thirdj but the French 
were so active, that after a smart skirmish, 
1,100 of them were made prisoners, with 5 
pieces of cannon. The blockade of Mantua 
was completed on the 8th, twenty-ninth, and 

m 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 65 

the combats between the garrison and the be- 
siegers were incessant. 

Marmont, an officer of distinguished me- 
rit, and aid-de-camp to Bonaparte, was sent 
by him at this period to Paris with twenty- 
two stands of colours which had been taken 
from the Austrian s ; trophies which had re- 
cently conferred glory on the army of Italy. 
He was presented to th€ directory on the 10th 
of Vendemiaire, October first, by the minis- 
ter of war, amidst the acclamations of a mul- 
titude of citizens, whom the ceremony had 
gathered together from every part of the re- 
public. 

The following address was pronounced by 
the minister of war : 

" Citizens Directors, 

<* The army of Italy, always victorious, always triumphant, 
present you additional trophies of their ascendency over the 
enemy. 

« The enemy, though conquered at Castiglione, were, by 
the accession of reinforcements, enabled to prepare another at- 
tack, and looked forward with the hope of repairing their loss- 
Tes ; but they were awaited by our army, grown familiar with 
victory, and the battle of Saint-George completed their de- 
struction. 

" Posterity will scarcely give cfedit to the historian who 
shall inform them that the entire conquest of Italy was effected 
in one single campaign by the army of the French republic : 
that three armies of the enemy were successively destroyed ; 
that more than fifty stands of colours were taken from them by 
the conquerors ; that forty thousand Austrians laid down pas- 
sively their arms ; and finally, Uiat fifty thousand French, 

I 



66 THE HISTORY OF 

under a warrior whose age did not exceed twenty-five years, 
atchieved all these glories. 

" The army of Italy has no more triumphs to obtain ; our 
troops have run their career, and a noble one it has been. May 
their success, therefore, be transplanted to the armies of the 
Rhine ; and may the enemy, whom temporary advantages can 
elate, learn that the soldiers of the republic are every where 
the same, and that combating for liberty, nothing can resist 
their impetuosity." 

Marmont then rose and delivered the fol- 
lowing : 

« Citizens Directors, 

« Though the army of Italy have conquered the finest 
country in Europe, they have not done enough for France 
and their own glory. It yet remains for their warlike pha- 
lanxes to crush every enemy that shall take the field against 
them, before they yield themselves to the blessings of peace 
and repose. 

« No sooner was an expedition projected, than the courage 
and perseverance of our troops, joined to their implicit confi- 
dence in the talents of the general in chief, promised always 
success. The army began its march ; every obstacle was sur- 
mounted, every enemy overthrown, and difficulties vanished 
at their touch. The French, for the first time since their ex- 
istence as a nation, arrived at the source of the Brenta, and pe- 
netrated into the city of Trent ; thence changing suddenly their 
direction, they reached like a flash of lightning the rear-ranks 
of the Austrian army, and Bonaparte, their general, forced 
Wurmser to battle with the thunder of his artillery. 

« An army fighting for liberty bears down all resistance. 
The Austrians were defeated, and those who escaped the fu- 
ry of the French, threw themselves into Mantua, as their last 
resource. The concurrence of a few favourable circumstances, 
induced the Austrians once more to hazard a battle with their 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 67 



enemy. The two armies engaged ; but the covu-age of our 
troops conspired with their exquisite discipline to give them 
their usual ascendency ; the Austrians were driven back into 
Mantua ; some were slain, some wounded, and some taken pri- 
soners. 

" Hence Wurmser, who sought an asylum in Mantua for the 
wreck of his army, and cherished the hope of being enabled 
to prolong its defence, found his expectations destroyed and 
his designs frustrated. 

" The twenty-two stands of colour^ which I have now the ho- 
nour to present you Citizens Directors, are the illustrious mo- 
numents of the glory of my brethren in arms. They are the 
fruits of only fourteen days combat ; of the battles fought at 
Serravalle, Lavis, and the defiles of Brenta ; of our conquests 
at Roveredo, Bassano and fort Saint-George. 

" The army of Italy, during this brilliant campaign, have 
destroyed two armies, made forty-seven thousand prisoners, 
captured two hundred and eighty pieces of cannon, and taken 
forty -nine stands of colours. These atchievements. Citizens 
Directors, are testimonies of our attachment to liberty and the 
republic ; performed by men who know their duty to their 
country, and who are not less zealous to obey than defend its 
noble laws. Consider the columns of our army the bulwarks 
of your liberty, of that liberty which expands every heart to 
gladness, and brightens every countenance into smiles. 

" I have also the honour to present you two stands of colours 
which we took from the troops of the Pope. We know that 
little honour is annexed to a victory over a man who was bred 
in the bosom of the church, and not in the camp ; but these 
colours will serve to testify the vigilance of the army of Italy, 
and the extent of their conquests." 

Revelliere-Lepaux, president of the direc- 
tory, replied with great animation to the fore- 
going address : 



68 THE HISTORY OF 

" With a rapidity never yet equalled, the army of Italy flies- 
from triumph to triumph, from glory to glory. Every day i& 
distinguished by some brilliant success, every day brings nevr 
honours to the arms of the French, 

" Such heroic deeds, such mighty conquests, have rendered 
our soldiers' not less dear to the friends of humanity than to the 
lovers of glory ; for their victories, while they reflect honour 
upon the arms of France, will compel the enemy to sue for 
peace. 

" Let therefore our thanks be distribu'^ed to the brave army 
of Italy, and to the superior genius who directs it. The Ex- 
ecutive Directory, in the name of the French republic, receive 
with the most lively satisfaction the trophies which you pre- 
sent them, and charge you to deliver to your brave brethrea 
in arms, the acknowledgements of the nation. 

" And you, youthful warrior, whose courage the general 
has often dwelt upon with energy, receive these arms (Mar- 
mont was presented with a brace of pistols) as a mark of the 
esteem of the Directory, and forget not that it is as glorious 
to use them in the defence of the republican constitution, as ta 
meet the enemy with them in the field : for the maintenance 
of the laws is not less necessary to the happiness of the re- 
public than the splendour of victory.'* 

A variety of disorders had existed in Italy 
during the summer. General Wurmser's ar- 
rival, and his momentary success, had em- 
boldened those who were enemies to the 
French, to commit great depredations, and to 
murder all whom they could overcome. 
Bonaparte having now nothing to fear 
from the Austrians, immediately applied a 
remedy to these irregularities, and by the ac- 
tivity of general Gaunier soon dispersed all. 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 69 

those who were engaged in them, and pre- 
vented the forming any regular and exten- 
sive insurrections. 

The anniversary of the foundation of the 
French repubhc was celebrated in Milan, 
with great pomp. Bonaparte and his lady 
were present to dignify the solemnity, and to 
enjoy the satisfaction which the esteem of the 
citizens imparted. 

In the month of June two armistices had 
been concluded between the French republic 
and the king of Naples, and the Pope.... the 
former was changed into a treaty of peace, 
whilst the latter was destroyed. The advan- 
tages which the French acquired by this trea- 
ty were immediately very great, as it divest- 
ed them of all fear of a prince who could 
have marched a powerful army to the sup- 
port of the Austrians. The Pope rejected 
the terms of peace offered to him, and there- 
by exposed himself to all the difficulties 
which some time after he experienced. 

Bonaparte, who shines as a politician and 
legislator, equally as a warrior, had, whilst 
Mantua was blockaded, and after general 
Wurmser had shut himself up in that city, 
been employed in organizing the Italian re- 
publics. The revolutionary spirit had disse- 
minated itself throughout Italy, and from the 
Austrian territories of Lombardy, and the 
Milanese, the duchy of Modena, &c. were 
formed the Cispadane and Transpadane re- 
publics. The emperor of Germany agitated 



70 THE HISTORY OF 

by this loss, and affected at the fate of the 
brave but unfortunate general Wurmser, de- 
termined to make another attempt to recover 
his possessions, and to liberate the garrison 
of Mantua. The regiments which had suf- 
fered so much by the last short contest were 
filled up, and 25,000 fresh troops joined with 
them. 

This new army, which began to move on 
the 31st of October, was commanded by ge- 
neral Aivinzy, who with 30,000 men directed 
his course towards Bassano, whilst general 
Davidovich with 20,000 men, proceeded to 
Trent. 

Bonaparte's forces were distributed at this 
time in the following manner : 15,000 men 
were cantoned on the banks of the Brenta ; 
10,000 defended Trent ; and 25,000 block- 
aded Mantua. The whole of Bonaparte's 
army consisted of 50,000 men, whilst that of 
the Austrians, if we include the garrison of 
Mantua, exceeded 70,000, the greater part of 
whom were but lately arrived from Germany, 
and had not been fatigued by service. 

Bonaparte when he began his retrograde 
march in pursuit of general Wurmser, had 
stationed one corps of troops in the Trenti- 
no, and another in Frioul, to observe and 
check the Austrians in those districts. On 
the 20th Vendemiaire, October 11, a party 
of Austrians tried to establish themselves at 
Castei-Franco, but they were repulsed by the 
French, and forced to resume their old posi- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. ri 

tion beyond the Piave. General Alvinzy arri- 
ved on the banks of the Brentaon the 13th of 
Brumaire, November third, gained the pas- 
sage of the river, and took his station at 
Bassano with 12,000 men ; 12,000 were plac- 
ed at Fonteniva under general Provera, and 
the rest maintained the communication with 
general Davidovich, part of whose army had 
been attacked by the French the day before, 
at St. Michael and Segonzano, had lost 1,500 
men, although the resistance which they 
made and the spirit with which they main- 
tained their situation was a considerable de- 
triment to general Massena's division. 

Bonaparte having united the divisions of 
Massena and Augereau, appeared in sight of 
the Austrians, who under general Provera 
had passed the Brenta. The armies fought 
with the greatest animosity, the combat was 
doubtful for a long time, and exceedingly 
sanguinary. The Austrians lost 4,000 kill- 
ed and 500 prisoners, that of the French 
must have been very great ; their object was 
however obtained, the former repassed the 
Brenta, and the bridge at Fonteniva was de- 
stroyed. 

The two armies being posted in sight of 
each other, on the 22d, November twelfth, the 
French attacked the Austrians, and drove 
them from the village of Caldero, after a very 
severe conflict ; but the Austrians regained 
the heights a om which Massena had dislodg- 
ed them, ana a violent storm of hail, which 



72 THE HISTORY OF 

blew in the faces of the French army, finish- 
ed the day, both armies remaining in their 
positions. Whilst these events occurred, the 
division under general Vaubois had been as- 
sailed by general Davidovich, and obliged to 
retreat with considerable loss ; this action 
enabled the Austrians to recover Trent. Pur- 
suing his advantage, general Davidovich con- 
tinued his march, and the French general 
gave way until he was reinforced ; upon which 
Bonaparte directed him to Castel-Nuovo. 

General Alvinzi was hastening to Verona 
to join the divisions of his army in the Tyrol, 
when Bonaparte crossed the Adige, with the 
hope of being able to capture the Austrian ar- 
tillery and baggage, and by attacking them in 
their flank and rear, at once to disperse the 
army, and to destroy the communication be- 
tween the Austrian generals. Before the 
dawn of day on the 25th, fifteenth, the two 
divisions of Massena and Augereau had 
crossed the river, and continued their march 
over the marshes which presented on every 
side obstacles almost insurmountable. The- 
Austrian general having discovered Bona- 
parte's object, sent a regiment of Croats, and 
several regiments of Hungarians, to, defend 
the village of Arcole, strengthened equally 
by nature and art, situated amidst marshes 
and canals, and fortified by a numerous artil- 
lery. 

That village impeded the progress of the 
French army during the whole day. The 



Napoleon solsrAt'ARTfe. ra 

Austrians defended with invincible obstinacy 
the dike which communicated with their po- 
sition ; a canal which bordered the dike con- 
tributed to its natural strength, and there 
were no means left to drive the Austrians 
from this post, but to pass the bridge under 
the continual fire of all their artillery and 
musketry. In vain did the generals place 
themselves at the head of the French co- 
lumns to lead them over the bridge ; they 
Were nearly all wounded ; Verdier, Bon, 
Verne, Lasnes, were carried from the field 
of battle coveted with wounds ; Augereau 
now seized a standard, and rushed to the ex- 
tremity of the bridge, but the unceasing 
storm of grape-shot forced him to retire. 
Bonaparte perceiving the probability that the 
bridge would not be passed in front, ordered 
general Guieux, with 2,000 men, to cross the 
Adige at Albaredo, and to attack the village 
in rear. 

But the conquest of the village was of too 
much importance to induce Bonaparte to de- 
sist from the attempt ; he therefore repaired 
thither himself, with his whole staff, and ad- 
dressing the troopS) said, " Are you the men 
who so bravely forced the bridge of Lodi?'* 
This excited their enthusiasm, upon which 
he leaped from his horse, seized a standard, 
and marched to the bridge, at the head of the 
grenadiers, calling out " Follow your gene- 
ral." Although they had nearly reached the 

K 



^4 THE HISTORY OF, 

.... r 

bridge, yet the tremendous fire from the 
Austrians compelled them to retreat : two 
more of the generals were wounded, and one 
of Bonaparte's aides-de-camp killed. Bona- 
parte's horse was afterwards shot under him, 
and during the day he was continually expos- 
ed to the hottest of the fire : general Guieux's 
division did not arrive until midnight, when 
the Austrians were driven from the village, 
who joined the main body of the army ; but 
the French immediately evacuated it, and 
prepared for the Austrians, whom they ex- 
pected to meet the next morning in a general 
battle. 

The Austrians having understood that ge- 
neral Guieux had withdrawn from Arcole, 
entered it again, and at break of day appear- 
ed there with all their collected force. 
They commenced the attack at every point, 
and the armies fought with inconceivable fu- 
ry. The column under the command of ge- 
neral Massena resisted the Austrian charge 
with great firmness, and Augereau support- 
ed him but without much effect ; the village 
was not retaken. During the night a plan 
was concerted by Bonaparte and executed.... 
on the 27ih, seventeenth, the causeway on 
the left was att?.cked by the division of Mas- 
sena, the front was attempted the third time 
by that of Augereau, and part of the garrison 
of, Porto Legnago, with 1,500 horse, assail- 
ed tliem in the rear. 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 5^5 

The attack was made early in the morn- 
ing ; Augereau was again repulsed, but Mas- 
sena advancing to his succour, and the other 
detachment making a strong diversion in their 
favour, general Alvinzy upon the renewal of 
the attack was forced to abandon the village 
and its vicinity, and during the night re- 
treated towards Vicenza ; the French pursu- 
ing the flying Austrians and annoying their 
retreat. 

During the battle on the third day, Bona* 
parte directed Hercules, the officer of his 
guides, to take twenty-five chosen men from 
his company, to pass the marshes which 
guarded the left wing of the Austrian army, 
and to approach their rear in full gallop, blow- 
ing their trumpets. This artifice succeeded, 
the Austrian infantry became confused, and 
800 men coming upon them at this juncture, 
perfected the defeat of the day. 

Thus ended one of the most bloody com- 
bats during the whole year. The Austrians 
were totally discomfited, whilst the loss of 
the French was very great ; three days inces- 
sant fighting, in which every step of the 
French was disputed with great valour by the 
Austrians, manifests, as well as the number 
of high officers in the French army slain, 
that the battle of Arcole must have had a ve- 
ry important influence upon the remainder of 
the campaign. 

On the night ensuing this long and dread- 
ful battle, Bonaparte disguised himself in the 



76 THE HISTORY OF 

dress of an inferior officer^ and traversed the 
camp. In the course of his round, he dis- 
covered a centinel leaning on the but-end of 
his musket in a profound sleep. Bonaparte 
taking the musket from under him, placed 
his head gently on the ground, and kept 
watch for two hours in his stead, at the end 
of which the regular guard came to relieve 
him. On awaking, the soldier was astonish- 
ed at. seeing a young officer doing duty for 
him ; but when looking more attentively he 
recognised the commander in chief, his asto- 
nishment was converted into terror. " The 
general '.....Bonaparte !" he exclaimed; "I 
am then undone." Bonaparte replied : "Not 
so, fellow-soldier: recover yourself : after so 
much fatigue a brave man like you may be. 
allowed for a while to sleep, but in future 
choose your time better." 

The following extract is from a letter writ-- 
ten by Bonaparte, dated Verona, Brumaire 
29th, nineteenth, and will assist us in form- 
ing a correct opinion of the terrific scenes 
which these three days combats exhibited. 

« Never was a field of battle •more obstinately contended for 
than that of Arcole. Every step of ground was disputed. 
I have scarcely a general left. I am deprived of my dearest 
friends : of the sharers of my toils, and the partakers of my tri- 
umphs. There are yet some surviving, whose worth must con. 
sole me. General Lasnes, though not yet recovered from the 
wounds he received at Governolo, has resumed the fatigues of 
military duty. He was twice wounded during the first day of 
the battle. About three in the afternoon, when extended on 
his camp-bed fainting under the anguish of his wounds, word 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. n 

was brought him that I had headed the column in person : he 
immediately caught new life from the intelligence, and forget- 
ting the agony of his pain, threw himself from the bed, called, 
for his horse, mounted him with some assistance, and rode up 
to my side through the hottest of the fight. Being yet too 
weak to act on foot, he kept his saddle, and animated the men 
by his presence. At the bridge of Arcole, however, he re-* 
ceived another wound that smote him to the earth. How can 
soldiers be otherwise than invincible when they have such gene- 
rals as Lasnes, Augereau and Massena to lead thera on to 
battle." 

After the sanguinary day of Arcole, Bo- 
naparte wrote the following letters from Ve^ 
rona: 

« TO GENERAL CLARKE. 

« Your nephew, Elliot, was killed in the field of battle at 
Arcole. This young man was accustomed to the din of arms. 
Ke had often marched to the attack of places at the head of 
columns. lie would have arrived at the highest summit of 
military preferment. He is dead l but who would regret his 
death, when it is told he fell fighting valiantly in the face of 
the enemy? On the contrary, what reasonable man does not 
envy his death ? We live in a world where the shield of recti- 
tude cannot secure us from the envenomed shafts of calumny 
and detraction ; in a world where there is more to be endured 
than enjoyed ; where our comforts are, at the most, but fleet-, 
ing and evanescent : where our best projects are often blasted 
by the adverse gale of fortune ; where the claim to excellence 
is disputed, and ambition construed into crime. The careeJ^ 
pf a life exposed to such numerous vicissitudes is surely well 
finished in the bed of honour and of glory." 

"TO MADAME MUIRON. 
" Muii-on fell at my side in the field of battle at Arcolcx 
you have lost a man whom you called by the endearing name 



^8 THE HISTORY OF 

of husband, and I one whom I addressed by the title of friend. 
But our regrets are absorbed in the louder sorrows of his coun- 
try, which has lost one of its warmest advocates, and ablest 
defenders. If I can be of service either to you or to your 
child, I have to entreat you will acquaint me without reserve. 
The action of the field has not so steeled my heart, but that 
I can sympathize with the widow, and feel for her offspring." 

"TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORY. 

*' Citizen Muiron has served in the artillery from the com- 
mencement of the revolution. He eminently distinguished 
himself at the siege of Toulon, where he was wounded in storm- 
ing an English redoubt. 

" His father was at that time arrested by the government. 
Young Muiron presented himself at the bar of the national con- 
vention, covered with the blood that he had shed in fighting 
for his countiy. He demanded the freedom of his father. 
The senators, charmed with the magnanimity of the youth, 
released, in his presence, the venerable parent. It was an 
affecting scene. 

" He obtained subsequently the command of the division of 
artillery that guarded the convention. He resisted every se- 
duction of his acquaintances to wean him. from the republic. 
I asked him if the government might rely on his fidelity : 
" Yes," said he, " I will support the republic with my heart's 
blood. I have entered into the army, because I know it to be 
its bulwark and defence. Whatever leader the republic ap- 
points, I shall consider it my duty to obey. I am an enemy to 
all counter-revolutions, and to those that would put another 
monarch on the throne. My ancestors suffei'ed persecution 
under kingly tyrants, and their injuries it becomes me to 
avenge. 

" Muiron invariably conducted himself tnie to his principles. 
No man was more useful than he, in the day that brought li- 
berty to our country. I was interested in his welfare, as he 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 70 

contributed to me some very essential services in the field. 
From the beginning of the campaign in Italy, citizen Muiron 
acted as my aid-de-camp. He fell gloriously in the battle of 
Arcole, and has left a widow to deplore his death, who is far 
advanced in pregnancy." 

General Davidovich, whilst the battle of 
Arcole continued, was making progress to- 
wards Mantua ; he, on the 27th of Brumaire, 
seventeenth, attacked and defeated general 
Vaubois, constrained him to retreat from the 
heights of Rivoli ; repeated his attack on the 
28th, eighteenth, and the French falling 
back, he hastened towards Castelnuovo. 

Bonaparte, having been informed of the 
success which accompanied Davidovich, re- 
solved to meet him, and on the 1st of Fri- 
maire, twenty -first, ordered an attempt to be 
made upon the Austrians, which was pros- 
perous ; for after a considerable contest the 
latter fled, leaving 1,100 prisoners, some can- 
non and baggage. 

General Wurmser, amidst these battles, 
had attempted three sorties, but the French 
under general Kilmaine were so strongly 
supported, and the cannonading of the be- 
siegers so regular, that they failed in each 
sortie, except the procuring a small quantity 
of provisions. 

During the fifteen days which employed 
the French and Austrian armies in this last 
expedition, Bonaparte's skill was peculiarly 
evident: his exertions were very great; his 
attacks were incessant j and his time was al- 



m THE HISTORY OP 

ways occupied in improving any advantages 
which by the uncommon bravery of his 
troops, he had acquired. His army was consi-^ 
derably fewer in number than that of the 
Austrians, yet he found means to destroy one 
half, to disperse the remainder of them, and 
to maintain the blockade of Mantua. 

As the Venetians had been very active in 
succouring general Alvinzy's army, Bona- 
parte took possession of Bergame, to awe the 
inhabitants around, and to insure the regula- 
rity of a communication between the Adda 
and the Adige. 

The French and Austrian armies continu- 
ed for some time, in a state of perfect inac- 
tion. The former were engaged in the block- 
ade of Mantua, whilst the latter were too 
weak to effect any enterprize which could re- 
lieve the garrison. 

The Pope, in this interval, ordered a bo" 
dy of troops to Faenza, raised them soon af- 
ter to 20,000 men, and gave the command to 
General Colli, late chief of the Sardinian 
troops. 

Mantua was now reduced to its last extre- 
mity, when general Wurmser captured some 
boats laden with provisions and ammunition 
for the French army. This delayed the sur- 
render, but it was apparent that it could not 
be avoided, without some speedy relief, as 
the garrison had then consumed the greater 
part of their horses. 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 81 

< ' " ■'■■'■■■ ■ " - 

General Laudohn, with the right wing of 
general Davidovich's army, on the 29th of 
Frimaire, December thirteenth, began to re- 
connoitre, and examined as far as Brescia ; 
a body of troops was detached by general Al- 
vinzy at the same time, towards Ferrara and 
Bologna, to cover the Pope's territories, and 
to induce Bonaparte to weaken his centre. 

The Austrian army at the commencement 
of the year 1797, was reinforced by a large 
body of troops sent by the Emperor of Ger- 
many to general Alvinzy, among whom were 
a corps of volunteers, composed of the 
youths of the first families in Vienna. Ge- 
neral Wurmser on the 9th of Nivose, twenty- 
ninth, had vigorously assailed the French 
troops, but in vain ; he had no resource but 
to return to the fortress, the garrison of 
which was much diminished by sickness and 
duty. This sortie, however, favoured the 
escape of an English colonel, who after six 
days, having eluded the French patroles, arri- 
ved at the Austrian head-quarters. The in- 
formation which he gave general Alvinzy of 
the wants of the garrison, and the utter im- 
possibility of their subsisting one month 
longer without a supply of provisions, actu- 
ated the Austrian general instantly to exe- 
cute the projected operations. 

This fifth army considerably exceeded 
50,000 men, of whom 10,000 were command- 
ed by general Provera, who was before Pa- 

L 



THE HISTORY OF 



dua ; 10,000, the centre, were at Bassano ; 
and 25,000 were in the Tyrol under the im- 
mediate orders of general Alvinzy. The 
former was to attack tHe French on the 
Adige, the centre to proceed against Verona^ 
and the grand army to begin to move in the 
Tyrol. The French army also had received 
some reinforcements, but it was vastly infe- 
rior to that of general Alvinzy ; Bonaparte's 
whole force did not amount to 40,000 men. 

General Provera, in conformity to the ar- 
rangement made by the commander in chief^ 
left Padua on the ISthof Nivose, January se- 
venth, 1797, and directed himself against Por- 
to-Legnago. The next day he commenced 
his operations by a vigorous attack upon the 
French posts, from which the latter were 
driven and forced to retire to Berilaqua : a re- 
inforcement was now brought to assist the 
French, but without success, as they were 
obliged to retreat to Porto-Legnago, to join 
Augereau, who commanded 10,000 men^ 
The Austrian general followed up his successy 
and on the 20th, ninth, had arrived upon the 
Adige, which he must necessarily cross be- 
fore he could reach Mantua. 

Bonaparte was at Bologna when he was in- 
formed of the march and advantages which 
general Provera had anticipated. Having or- 
dered the 2,000 men who were with him to- 
repair to the Adige, he departed for Verona, 
and arrived there just as the Austrians had 
attacked the French under Massena. A ve- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 83 



ry brisk action ensued, which . was not fa- 
vourable to either army, although the French 
took 600 prisoners and 3 pieces of cannon, 
and obliged the Austrians to retreat towards 
the mountains, whilst they resumed the same 
position before Verona. 

General Alvinzy marched on the 2 2d, ele- 
venth, to Montebaldo, and attacked part of 
the French line the following day, but could 
not conquer the intrenchments ; on the 24th, 
thirteenth, having assailed the French in their 
rear, they succeeded in obtaining possession of 
the redoubts of Corona, which induced ge- 
neral Joubert to join the troops at Rivoli, the 
strongest post which the French held on the 
Upper Adige. 

Bonaparte received information of these 
events the same evening ; and it appearing 
that general Alvinzy meant to pierce through 
Rivoli, he directed a considerable force to 
march there, and himself with the staff arri- 
ved about midnight. They immediately 
posted themselves before the town, took pos- 
session of St. Mark, the only point between 
the Adige and the lake of Garda by which 
the Austrians could pass, and the general 
with his officers examined the situation of the 
Austrian army until day appeared. 

General Alvinzy, who had prepared for a 
general attack on the next morning, spent also 
the night in making his dispositions. Pre^ 
suming that Bonaparte could not arrive to as- 
sist general Joubert before this attack, he had 



84 THE HISTORY OF 

indulged the hope of being able to cut him off, 
by dispatching a column in his rear to hinder 
any reinforcements from joining him. In 
conformity with the arrangements made by 
the French general, Joubert commenced the 
battle about 4 o'clock in the morning, and: 
the conflict was extremely obstinate. The 
Austrians repulsed the left wing of the 
French army, and were upon the point of 
forcing it to retreat, when Bonaparte arrived 
with a small corps, and animated them to 
maintain their position. The French centre 
sustained a vigorous attack from the main bo- 
dy of the Austrians, which was collect- 
ed, having injured the French left wing, to 
oppose the junction of the right under Jou- 
bert with the rest of the army. Whilst the 
Austrians employed all their strength to gain 
possession of the cannon which was stationed 
in the front of the column in the centre, one 
of the French captains rushed forward, ex- 
claiming to the men who followed him, 
" They shall not take our cannon from us, 
" soldiers ; shall it be said that the fourteenth 
" lost their artillery ?" Massena arriving at 
this juncture, the French retook all the posts 
from which they had been driven, and pre-, 
pared to renew the contest. 

A column of Austrians now appeared, and 
by expecting to capture Rivoli, threatened 
the rear of the French centre and right wing.. 
They had established themselves on the 
heights which command Rivoli, and conquered 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 85 

some of its strongest posts. Bonaparte hav- 
ing perceived that in descending from the 
heights the Austrian troops maintained Uttle 
order in their ranks, directed the grenadiers 
to charge the platform, whilst a small column 
of cavalry assailed them in the rear. This 
movement was attended with complete suc-^ 
cess ; the Austrians were forced to evacuate 
Rivoli with the loss of their cannon ; but the 
centre of their army continued the contest, 
and a body of four thousand men having 
ranged themselves in order of battle in the 
rear, the French were totally surrounded and 
the communication between the army and Ve- 
rona, and the lake of Garda entirely destroy- 
ed. The two armies were so near to each 
other upon this occasion, that the French 
heard the Austrians saying one to another, 
*' We shall soon put them to flight." 

The intrenchments at Rivoli now became 
the prize, the possession of which would de- 
cide the fate of the day. The Austrians cap- 
tured them thrice, but all their efforts to hold 
them were unsuccessful ; for at this crisis 
Bonaparte ordered some light artillery to can- 
nonade the right wing of the Austrians, 
which had been turned. Generals Brune 
and Monnier, with a small detachment in 
three columns, were dispatched to dislodge 
the Austrians from the heights which they 
occupied, and which afforded much assist- 
ance to the other corps fighting in the intrench^ 
ments» This desperate service they perform^ 



86 THE HISTORY OF 

€d: advancing with recovered arms, and sing- 
ing " The Song of Departure,'^ they arrived 
within gun-shot of the Austrians, and imme- 
diately fell upon the posts with the utmost fu- 
ry. The violence of the assault so confound- 
ed the x\ustrians, that they fled in the utmost 
disorder towards the lake of Garda ; and be- 
ing accosted by a small body of fifty marks- 
men only, who were trying to join the French 
army, they surrendered themselves and deli* 
vered up their arms. 

The following extract is from a letter writ- 
ten by citizen Rene, the captain of those fifty 
men to his father, detailing that event.' 

" The 25th, in the morning, general Monnier asked me 
whether I would remain in the village of Garda with fifty 
men, to keep an eye upon the lake and to favour a disembarkai. 
tion. I told him I would. About four o'clock, just as I had 
visited a little post that I had stationed in advance, seven Aus- 
trians appeared. I ordered the post to charge and endeavour 
to take them, while I should run back to collect the rest of my 
detachment. I assembled it, and was beginning a march from 
the village, when I beheld n^y little post bringing along with 
them the seven prisoners . Apprehensive of being soon attack- 
ed, I was just about to dispose of my men in an advantageous 
position, when, how great was my surprise to observe an Aus- 
trian column turning the defile I The commander ordered me 
to lay down my arms, and told me that I was his prisoner. 
* JVq Srr,' cried I, ' 'tis you thai are mine. I have already disarm^ 
ed your advanced guards of ivhom you here behold a part. Laif 
down your atins, or by the god of war I will gh>e you no quarter.* 
My soldiers, encouraged by my example, repeated this injunc- 
tion. The prisoners, perceiving that at the first fire they 
should be killed, cried aloud to their comrades to surrender 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. Sf 

themselves prisoners. This tumult astonished the Austrian 
commander. He was desirous to parley. ' JVo,' exclaimed ly 
* lay down your arms' He offered to capitulate. ' JVo,' rejohied 
I, ' lay down your aryns.' '• But^ Sir,' said he, ' if I surrender shall 
I not have cruel treatment to undergo ?' I gave him my word 
of honour that he should not. He pulled off his hat, advanc- 
ed, presented me his sword, and the whole troop laid down 
their arms. I was not, however, yet without disquietude. I 
was apprehensive that he would perceive the diminutiveness 
of my force. I made it take a retrograde motion : but scarce- 
ly had we gotten to the borders of the lake when we descried a 
body of imperialists embarking in two large boats, who gain- 
ed the stream, without our havirvg the pmver to prevent them 5 
but, being overloaded, and getting into the eddy, the boats 
went down, and the troops were drowned. A minute or two 
afterwards, several of the Austrians refused to march : nor 
did the officers seera disposed to obey our injunctions. I felt 
the criticalness of my situation, but particularly when I heard 
a captain say, ' Don't let us go on.' ' What's that you say, sir* 
exclaimed I, raising my voice. ' Where is your honour ? Arc 
you not a prisoner ? Have you not delivered up, your arms ? Have 
J not your ivord? You are an officer....! covjlde in your loyal' 
ty.,..To convince you that I do, I return you your sivord, and 
command you to make your troop begin a march. I shall other'^ 
wise be compelled to make the column of six thousand men act 
against you that is noiv in my rear.' The word honour, but, 
above all, the mention of the pretended column in my rear, 
produced the desired effect. ' I am going to convince you, sir* 
said the officer, putting his hand to his breast, ' that I know 
,what honour means as litell as most of my cloth. It is the noble 
mind's distinguishing perfection. Make only the signal, sir, of 
departure, and I nuill answer for it the whale troop shall advance.^ 
He then addressed his people in German, who immediately 
assumed an air of obedience, and prosecuted their route. W^ 
arrived without any other accident. This column was compos- 



88 THE HISTORY 01? 

ed of a regiment of the imperial line, and a body of auxiliary 
troops, forming collectively eighteen hundred men.'* 

Bonaparte victorious in front, detached a 
considerable force against the corps of Aus- 
trians who remained at Corona. Being at* 
tacked by several columns in front and rear, 
there was no resource but to surrender, or to 
force their way through, sword in hand. 
They attempted the latter, but in vain ; and 
after an unsuccessful contest the whole body 
laid down their arms on the 26th, fifteenth. 
The French accounts made the number of 
prisoners 6,000, whilst the Austrian general 
states them at four. The following extract from 
a private letter, relating his situation, writ- 
ten by that commander, cannot be unaccepta- 
ble. 

" I had the command of the first column, consisting of four 
thousand men, without a single horse or cannon, each soldier 
and officer on foot, provided with iron cramps, preceded by 
pioneers to break the ice. I marched thus during two days 
and two nights without halting, over rocks covered with snow, 
and without finding a single bush with which to make a fire. 
The third day, after a march equally severe, but through a 
country less dismal, I succeeded according to the general 
plan, in turning the position of the enemy, who were intrench- 
ed atRivoli on the banks of the Adige. Whilst I made this 
movement with my corps, three columns attacked the intrench- 
ments of Rivoli in front and carried them. The enemy re- 
took them, and we again succeeded in driving them out ; but 
by one of those inexplicable fatalities peculiar to the Austrian 
army in Italy, the three columns which had attacked in front 
having once more lost the intrenchments, my column found 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 89 

itself cut off and abandoned by the rest of the army. I had 
now nothing left but to cut my way through the enemy, for I 
could not bring myself to capitulate. Without cannon or ca- 
valry I had to make my way through a victorious army, which 
attacked me with all the advantage arising from numbers, from 
the ground, and from the nature of their arms.... accordingly 
the greater part of my troops was either killed or taken. Al- 
most all the staff officers of my corps were Avounxled and made 
prisoners." 

" Seeing no longer any means of rejoining our army, which 
had retired to the mountains, I turned with ten officers towards 
the lake of Garda, upon the borders of which I remained shut 
up in a country house for two days and two nights, in order to 
escape the French patroles in search of us. On the third 
night I threw myself into a boat with my officere, and in spite 
of the vigilance of the French feluccas we succeeded in pass- 
ing through them by dint of rowing, and happily arrived at 
Torbole, where there was an Austrian garrison." 

Bonaparte not hearing from general Auge- 
reau, now conjectured tha,t the intercourse 
was obstructed, and immediately visited Ri- 
voli, Verona and Castelnuovo, where he re- 
ceived information that 10,000 Austrians had 
crossed the Adige at Anguiari, and forced ge- 
neral Guieux after a slight skirmish to retreat 
to Rones. The general then proceeded to Vil- 
la Franca with a detachment of troops, and 
there learnt from general Serrurier that the 
Austrians were at Castellana, on their way to 
Mantua. Upon the route a regiment of French 
dragoons came in sight of an Austrian squadron, 
and the two commanders fought with their own 
swords, which was the signal for a general 

M 



§6 THE HISTORY OF 



contest ; it continued a short time only, the 
French being victorious, and the whole of 
the Austrians captured. 

On the 25th, fourteenth, Bonaparte arrived at 
Roverbella, and found that Augereau had col- 
lected his forces to attack general Provera ; but 
the latter marched towards Mantua with such 
rapidity that the French could charge his rear 
guard only, the whole of whom were defeat- 
ed and made prisoners, with a large quantity 
of ammunition. The Austrian generalj 
with his force diminished to about 6,000 me% 
reached the vicinity of St. George on the 26th, 
fifteenth, at noon. He attempted to carry 
that post during the remainder of the day, 
but without any eifect. General Miolis, wha 
defended it, was immediately summoned by 
general Provera to surrender.. i. he replied,^ 
" that he was sent there to Jight, not to sur- 
render," 

General Provera, on the 26th, sixteenth, had 
contrived to concert an attack upon La Favorite, 
whilst general Wurmser should make a sortie 
to assist him with the garrison. The latter 
left the citadel before the dawn of day, and 
captured St. Anthony ; he then marced to La 
Favorite, and exerted himself to the utmost 
to force the intrenchments. General Provera 
attacked the post on his side.... but the inces- 
sant fire from the intrenchments repelled eve- 
ry attempt, and whilst these useless efforts 
were making to storm the lines of the block- 
ade, the French were surrounding the Aus- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 



trian corps. General Miolis then sallied out 
from St. George, and advanced in front 
against the Austrians. Finding all resistance 
unavailable, and desirous to preserve the 
lives of his soldiers, general Provera propos- 
ed a capitulation, to which Bonaparte assent- 
ed ; 6,000 foot and 700 horse were made pri- 
soners, and 20 pieces of cannon delivered to 
the French. Among the prisoners was the 
volunteer corps of young gentlemen from 
Vienna, whose colours had been embroidered 
and presented them by the Empress of Ger- 
many in person. 

Thus in the short space of eight days, the 
fifth Austrian army opposed to Bonaparte 
was entirely discomfited. The French cap- 
tured 44 pieces of cannon, and nearly 20,000 
men were prisoners. The victory of La Fa- 
vorite decided the fate of Mantua, and left 
general Wurmser with no hope of relief.. ..the 
garrison were now reduced by want, sickness 
and fatigue, and there being no possibility of 
escape, he began to reflect upon the proprie- 
ty of surrendering it. 

General Alvinzy, in consequence of the 
defeats which he had experienced, was inca- 
pable of any offensive operations, and unable 
to maintain the positions which his army held, 
was anxious concerning its preservation only. 
He retreated into the defiles of the Tyrol, whilst 
his troops marched towards the Tervisano. 
General Massena removed on the 5th of Plu- 
viose, January twenty-fourth, to the vicinity 



92 THE HISTORY OF 



of Bassano, which the Austrians manifested 
a design to defend ; a skirmish ensued, and 
the French gained a sUght advantage. On 
the 6th, January twenty-fifth, in the night, 
the Austrians evacuated their intrenchments, 
and hastened to Carpedenolo ; which move- 
ment induced Massena to dispatch a column 
in pursuit, who overtook the Austrians at 
that village, and after a smart engagement 
took 900 of them prisoners. General Jou- 
bert also put his division in motion, and hav- 
ing charged the Austrians at Ario, captured 
400 of them. 

These divisions of the French army conti-. 
nued their progress generally, without oppo- 
sition, and took possession of Torbole, Ro- 
veredo and Trent immediately as the Austrians 
retired from them : in the latter they found 
2,000 Austrians, sick or wounded, and in their 
retreat made 1,800 of them prisoners. The 
Austrians took a strong defensive position be^ 
hind the Adige, Lavis and Piave ; their line 
extended from Bolzano to the mouth of the 
Piave : one body of the army covered the Ty* 
rol, another and the principal corps Friuli ; 
whilst the third was stationed between the 
two latter rivers. In this situation, defend- 
ed by three rivers, and a chain of inaccessi' 
ble mountains, the Austrians collected them- 
selves together, and waited for reinforcements., 

Mantua is said to have been built by the 
Etrurians before the Trojan war, and is si- 
tuated upon a lake formed by the- Mincio* 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 93 

The city is large, neatly built, and adorned 
with many costly buildings. Whilst in pos- 
session of the dukes of Mantua, and previ- 
ous to the destruction of that family in 1707, 
it contained upwards of 50,000 inhabitants, 
at present their number does not exceed 
30,000. It has always been fortified, and its 
peculiar situation has rendered it in all Italian 
wars a place of the utmost importance. 
Open force and military operations have sel- 
dom or never reduced it ; its surrender has 
principally been owing to a blockade, and the 
want of provisions. The fortifications are 
not its principal defence ; that consists in the 
difficulties which oppose the progress and at- 
tacks of an enemy. The city is entirely en- 
compassed by water and marshes, and can be 
entered by three bridges or causeways only, 
each of which has strong works erected at its 
extremities. These avenues communicate 
with the suburbs St. George, St. Anthony 
and La Favorite, which may be defended, and 
without the possession of which a besieging 
army can do nothing effectual. If the su- 
burbs be conquered, the blockade maybe sup- 
ported, but the part of the town upon which 
any trenches may be opened is so narrow that 
a regular siege is scarcely practicable. The 
waters of the lake stagnate in the summer 
time, and become thereby so unwholesome, 
as to induce those inhabitants who can afford 
the expence to leave it for that season. 



f4 THE HISTORY OF 

Notwithstanding all these disadvantages, 
Bonaparte commenced the blockade of Man- 
taa on the 30th of Messidoi', eighteenth of 
July, 1796, and it had been continued nearly se- 
ven months : the garrison had suffered every 
species of privation, and exerted all their 
powers to effect a junction with the Austrian 
army. So destitute were they of food, that 
5,000 horses had been killed for their subsist- 
ence. In this situation general Wurmser 
proposed to surrender, and the terms which 
were granted to him evinced the high respect 
which Bonaparte felt for his character ; and 
were equally honourable to the victor and to the 
conquered. The capitulation v/as signed on 
the 14th Pluviose, February second ; the 
Fi'cnch entered the citadel the next day, and 
the Austrian army proceeded on their march 
to Goritz in Tyrol, By this convention it was 
agreed that general Wurmser, all the gene- 
rals, staff officers, 200 cavalry and 500 indi- 
viduals to be selected by the general, should 
not be prisoners of war, and should return 
home with six pieces of cannon and artillery- 
men ; the generals retained their swords and 
baggage, the privates of the infantry their 
knapsacks, and those of the cavalry their 
cloak-bags. Bonaparte's eulogy on general 
Wurmser is too interesting to be omitted ; it 
is contained in a letter which he wrote to the 
directory, dated Faenza, Pluviose 15th, Fe- 
bruary third. 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. ^S 

" I have an earnest desire to shew general Wurnnser every 
generosity in my power ; who, whether his years or valour be 
considered, is eminently entitled to it. Fortune has beeii very 
cruel to him during the whole of the campstign, but he has 
notwithstanding, exhibited a cotirage and constaticy which will 
give dignity to the page of the impartial historian. 

" SuiTounded on all sides after the battle of Eassano by our 
army, and cut off from a considerable part of his own, he che- 
rished the design of seeking refuge in Mantua, from whicli he 
was very remote, and effectually executed it hy surmountiftq^ 
every obstacle which opposed his passage ; by passing the 
Adige, overthrowing our advanced posts at Cerea, and tra- 
versing witli vigour the waters of the Molinella. From Man- 
tua he made several sorties which he always headed in per- 
son ; and had to encounter besides the obstacles which the cir- 
eumvallation of our line presented, a disinclination of his sol- 
diers for combat, from the frequency of their defeats, the hor- 
rors of famine, and the calamities of disease." 

The surrender of Mantua alForded Bona* 
parte a favourable opportunity to address his 
troops ; this duty he executed a few days af- 
ter the occurreiiGe of that event, by publish- 
ing the following abridgement of what his ar- 
my had atchieved, and what he expected them 
still to perform. 

BONAPARTE TO THE SOLDIERS OF THE ARMY 
OF ITALY. 

Head-Quarters, Bassano, 20th Fentose, March tenth. 

" The capture of Mantua has almost given the finishing 
stroke to a campaign which has entitled you to the eternal 
gratitude of your country, 

" You have proved victorious in fourteen pitched battles ahd 
in seventy engagements. You have taken more than a hun- 
dred thousand prisoners. You have also obtained from the 



96 THE HISTORY OF 

enemy five hundred field pieces, and two thousand large can- 
non. 

" The contributions levied on the countries which you have con- 
quered, have supported, maintained and paid the army during 
the whole campaign. You have, moreover, sent thirty milli- 
ons to the minister of finance, for the increase of the public 
treasury. 

" You have enriched the Museum of Paris with above three 
hundred subjects, master-pieces of ancient and modern Italy, 
the prodtiction of which has been the labour of thirty ages. 
You have conquered for the I'epublic the finest countries of 
Europe. The republics of Lombardy and Cispadane are in- 
debted to you for their liberty. The colours of France, for 
the first time, wave on the Adriatic shores, opposite and 
within twenty-four hours sail of ancient Macedonia. The 
kings of Sardinia and Naples, the Pope, and the duke of 
Parma, are detached from the coalition of our enemies, and 
are leagued in friendship with us. You have chased the Eng- 
lish from Leghorn, Genoa and Corsica ; but you have not yet 
finished your career. A more splendid atchievement is in re- 
serve for you : in you the country places its dearest hopes, 
continue to deserve its confidence. 

" Amongst all the enemies who coalesced to stifle the repub- 
lic in its birth, the Emperor alone is opposed to us. This 
prince, degrading himself from the rank of a great poten- 
tate, is in the pay of the merchants of London. He is actu- 
ated by no other policy, has no other will, than that of the 
perfidious islanders, who being themselves strangers to the 
horrors of war, smile with pleasure at the miseries of the con- 
tinent. 

" The executive directory have spared no endeavours to give 
peace to Europe : the moderation of their proposals was not dic- 
tated by the strength of their armies ; they did not consult your 
courage, but followed the impulse of humanity, and a desire 
to behold you in the bosoms of your families : their voice has 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 97 

not been heard at Vienna, and there is no other hope for 
peace, but by seeking it in the heart of the hereditary states 
of the house of Austria. You will there find a brave race op- 
pressed by the wars against the Turks, and by the present 
war. The inhabitants of Vienna and the states of Austria 
groan under a superstitious and arbitrary government. There 
is no one who doubts that the ministers of the Emperor have 
been corrupted by the gold of the English. You will respect 
their religion, their customs, their property— remember it is 
liberty you are carrying to the brave Hungarians. 

" The house of Austria, which for three ages has been di- 
minishing its power by wars, has excited the discontents of 
the people, by depriving them of their privileges ; ifwiil find 
itself reduced, at the end of the sixth campaign, since it forces 
us to commence it, to accept such a peace as we shall be 
pleased to grant ; and will descend in reality to the rank of a 
secondaiy power, in which it has already placed itself by sub- 
mitting to be in the pay and at the disposal of England. 

« BONAPARTE." 

The reduction of Mantua expelled the 
Austrians from Italy, and completed the tri- 
umphs of the French army. Bonaparte had 
previous to that event determined upon chas- 
tising the Roman government for the duplici- 
ty which it had manifested. Whilst bound by 
an armistice to maintain peace, the court of 
Rome were exciting revolts among the Itali- 
ans, fomentins: divisions between the differ- 
ent principalities, and endeavouring to per- 
suade the Emperor to continue the contest 
with vigour, with a promise to assist him by 
SI diversion in his favour with their own 

N 



98 THE HISTORY OF 

troops. The Pope's secretary of state, cardi- 
nal Busca, had written a letter to the legate at 
Vienna, proving himself to have possessed 
all that deceit and cunning which have always 
distinguished the bishoprick of Rome. This 
letter Bonaparte intercepted, and it determin- 
ed him to proceed to immediate operations, 
that the cabal of intriguers at Rome might be 
entirely destroyed, and be no longer permit- 
ted to continue their deceptive machinations. 

When the French had begun their march 
into the Papal dominions, Bonaparte issued a 
declaration dated Pluviose 15th, February 
the third, stating, the ground of his conduct, 
and the dissimulation which the ecclesiastical 
government had manifested ; to which he ad- 
ded an address enjoining the utmost obedi- 
ence to the French authority, and threaten- 
ing all, especially the priests, with tremen- 
dous punishment in case of disobedience. 

In conformity with the dispositions made 
by Bonaparte, general Victor advanced to 
Priola, the nearest of the Roman towns, and 
slept in it on the 13th of Pluviose, February 
the first. The next day he marched to attack 
Faenza, in the front of which the Papal troops 
were intrenched behind the river Senio, and 
after a very slight resistance, the Pope's sol- 
diers fled, leaving behind them 14 pieces of 
cannon and 1,400 men, killed, wounded and 
prisoners. The French immediately travers- 
ed Romagna, took Forti, Cesenna, entered the 
dutchy of Urbino and captured Ancona, with 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 9^ 

a very large quantity of arms and ammunition 
which they found in it. The famed chapel of 
Loretto was also seized by the French, but the 
greatest part of the valuables had been re- 
moved by Colli, the commander of the Papal 
forces. Bonaparte gives the following list of 
some of the " adot'able'^ articles which his 
troops discovered there : " A wooden image of 
" the pretendedMadona...,the vestiges of an old 
" garment, said to have been the gown of the 
" Virgin Mary.... three old broken porringers 
" of delft-ware, reported to have been part of 
" her culinary' utensils, and which have eve- 
" ry appearance of having been made 20 Or 
" 30 years ago." 

It is proper to remark here that plunder 
and devastation formed no part of Bonaparte's 
scheme when attacking the Pope's dominions : 
his sole object was to secure himself from a;ll 
fears of attack from that quarter, and hence 
he proposed and definitively adjusted a peace. 

The French ecclesiasticks who had emi- 
grated in 1791 and 1792, received at this cfi-. 
tical moment much kindness from Bonaparte. 
By a proclamation which he issued, he for- 
bade under the severest penalties, all attempts 
to injure them; directed that they should be 
maintained at the expence of the convents, 
and added that the melioration of their situa- 
tion dirough the kindness of the bishops and 
oth^ would afford him great pleasure. 

Bonaparte continued his progress towards . 
' Rome, and entered Foligno and Macerata : 



THE HISTORY OF 



/rom the latter town, distant about 120 miles 
from Rome, he wrote to cardinal Mattel : 

" I have traced, reverend Cardinal, in the letter which you. 
did me the honour to write me, that simplicity of manners 
which is your distinguishing characteristick. I now subjoin the 
reasons that have urged me to break the armistice concluded 
between his holiness and the republic of France. 

" No person is more persuaded of the sincere desire that the 
French have to make peace tlian cardinal Busca, which is ob" 
vious from the tenour of his letter to M. Albani. It was a sub- 
ject of raillery to the enemies of France, when it was sigviified 
that the 'first powers of Europe would come forward to ac- 
knowledge the republic, and treat with her for peace. But the 
world is aM'akened from its delusion. 

" His holiness has yet one refuge left : he may save his 
states b\ proposing a pacifick negociation, and throwing him- 
self upon the generosity of the French republic. 

" I know that his holiness has been deceived. I would wish 
to convince Europe of the moderation of the executive direc- 
tory of the republic of France, in granting the Pope five days 
to send a negociator, invested with full powers, to Foligno, 
where I shall be found, and where it will be my study to ex- 
emplify the consideration that I have for his holiness. But, 
whatever may happen, be persuaded, I'eve rend Cardinal, of the 
distinguished esteem with which I have the honour to be, &c." 

The French head-quarters were immedi- 
ately removed to Tolentino, which filled 
Rome with terror. All the riches of the ci- 
ty were conveyed to Naples and Terracina, 
and the higher ranks of the citizens were pre- 
paring to leave it, when the Pope wrote to 
Bonaparte : 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. lOi. 

Plus. P. VI. 
" Dear Son, Health and j^Jiostolick Benediction. 
" Being desirous amicably to terminate our existing differ- 
ences with the French republic, by the retreat of the troops 
which you command, we send and depute to you as our pleni- 
potentiaries, two ecclesiastics, cardinal Mattei, with whom 
you are intimately acquainted, and Mon Signor Galeppi ; and 
two laymen, the duke Don Louis Braschi our nephew, and 
the marquis Camillo Massimi, who are invested by us with 
full power to concert with you, to promise and subscribe such 
conditions as we hope will be just and reasonable, binding our- 
selves by our faith and word to ratify and approve them in spe- 
cial form, that they may at all times be valid and inviolable. 
Being assured of the sentiments of good faith which you have 
manifested, we have abstained from any removal from Piome, 
and by that you will be persuaded how great is our confidence 
in you. We conclude by assuring you the paternal Apostoli- 
cal Benediction. 

« PIUS VI. 
« St. Peters, Rome, February 12th." 

On the 1st of Ventose, February nine- 
teenth, the treaty of peace was signed, up- 
on which occasion Bonaparte wrote to the 
Pope ; 

BONAPARTE TO POPE PIUS VI. 

" Most Holy Father, 

" I have to thank your holiness for the obliging expressions 
contained in the letter which you did me the honour to write 
me. 

" The treaty of peace has just been signed between your ho- 
liness and the republic of France. I felicitate myself upon hav- 
ing, in any measure, contributed to your tranquillity and re- 
pose. 

" I would recommend your holiness to disclaim the officious 



1,02 THE HISTORY OF 



friendship of certain persons at Rome, who are not less the 
foes to your interest than the enemies of Finance. 

" The pacifick virtues of the disposition of your holiness arc 
known to all Europe. You will, I trust, find the French repub- 
lic one of the sincerest friends to Rome. 

" I have sent my aid-de-camp to express to your holiness the 
perfect esteem and veneration which I hold for your person : 
and I have to intreat you to rely on the perfect deference with 
which I have the honour to be, &c. Sec" 

Cardinal Mattel announced the conclusion 
of the treaty to cardinal Busca, by the fol- 
lowing billet: 

" The treaty is signed, and I now speed a courier to your 
eminence with the intelligence. The conditions are hard, and 
resemble the capitulation of a place that has been besieged. 
It is dictated in the tone of a conqueror, and I trembled 
for his holiness, for Rome, and for the state. Rome however 
is saved, as well as her religion, notwithstanding the sacrifi- 
ces which have been made. We will attend you soon. 

A. C. MATTEL 

" Tolentino^ February 19, 1797." 

By this treaty of peace the Pope renounc- 
ed the coalition, agreed to disband his troops, 
and to close his ports against the ships of the 
enemies of the republic ; ceded Avignon, Ve- 
naissin, Bologna, Ferrara and Romagna to 
France; consented to pay 31,000,000 of 
livres in addition to the five before paid ; to 
deliver the paintings, statues and manuscripts 
directed by the armistice, and permitted the 
French to retain Ancona until a continental 
peace might be established. 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 103 

Whilst Bonaparte was engaged in adjusting 
a peace with the Pope, a sixth Austrian ar- 
my had with great difficulty been collected by 
the Emperor ; new battalions were raised ; 
to these, several divisions of the army from, 
the banks of the Rhine were added, and the 
command given to the Arch-Duke Charles, 
who in his contest with general Moreau had 
acquired considerable reputation. The di- 
rectory had also ordered a number of battali- 
ons from the Rhine under general Berna- 
dotte to join Bonaparte, who found upon his 
return from Tolentino that hostilities had 
been renewed. 

Bonaparte, when he had traversed the 
dutchy of Urbino, thought of restoring tran- 
quillity to the republic of Saint-Morino, 
which was surrounded by his troops. He 
invested Citizen Monge with this office, of 
whose mission he gave the Directory the fol- 
lowing account: 

BONAPARTE TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORY. 

^^ Head-Quarters^ Tolentino^ Ventose l^Februarij nineteenth, 
" You will find subjoined, Citizens Directors, the report of 
Citizen Monge, whom I sent to Saint-Marino, with the 
discourse which he pronounced. When I get to Rimini I will 
transmit you a memoir of the demands which accompanied it, 
with what I shall have done to testify for that ancient re- 
public the esteem and consideration of the republic of France." 

The following discourse was pronounced 
before the two regent-captains of the repub- 
lic of Saint-Marino, by the deputy to the 
chief general of the army of Italy. 



104 THE HISTORY OF 



" Citizens Regents, 

" Liberty, which during the prosperous days of Athens and 
Thebes, transformed the Greeks into a people of heroes ; 
which ill the time of the Roman republick brought glory to the 
Romans, and during the short interval that, in later ages, she 
cheered part of Italy with her presence, caused science to 
lift her head, and stones to leap to form ; this goddess 
was afterwards, banished many centuries from Europe, and 
sought an asylum in Saint-Marino, where she was received 
by the inhabitants with open arms, and has blessed them 
with her smiles amid the tumult of revolutions, and the wreck 
of worlds. 

" The French people, after enduring the yoke of slavery 
through a continued succession of ages, have awakened from 
their lethargy to bask in the sunshine of freedom. 

" Europe beholding with jaundiced eye the efforts of France 
to obtain its freedom, entered into a conspiracy against her> 
formed a coaUtion, launched fleets into the ocean, and brought 
armies into the field : while the torch of civil war began to 
kindle in the interior states of the nation. 

" But liberty smiled on our projects. It was she that put 
strength into our arms, and fire into our hearts. 

" Of our numerous enemies, those who possessed sagacity 
withdrew in time from the coalition, while others, beholding 
their companions gasping in the dust, humbled themselves be- 
fore the tri-coloured standards, and clamoured for peace. 
There now remained but three enemies to subdue ; one of whom 
the army of Italy opposed with the most bi'illiant success. Of 
four armies that Austria brought into the field, not one return- 
ed back to their country. There was scarcely a day that 
thousands did not return to their mother earth, while myriads 
were made prisoners by the troops of the republic, the thunder- 
bolts of war. 

" Yet war was ever considered by the republic an evil. It 
was with regret that shebeheld the field empurpled with blood. 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 105 

She therefore proposed a peace, and dictated the terms 
of it. 

" But her propositions, citizens, were either rejected with 
obstinacy, or eluded with craft. 

" The army of Italy, therefore, has been compelled to con- 
tinue the war, and in pursuing its enemies, to pass near your states . 

" I cortie from General Bonaparte, in the name of the French 
republic, to assure the ancient republicof Saint-Marino of peace 
and inviolable friendship. 

"-Citizens regents, the political constitution of the people 
that surround you may be subject to vicissitudes. If any part 
of your frontiers should be molested by your neighbours, I am 
charged by the Chief General to inform you, that the troops 
of the French republic will ever come forward with alacrity to 
manifest the friendship which they bear you by affording their 
succour. 

" At the same time I cannot refrain from felicitating myself 
upon the event that has procured me the occasion to be able to 
express to you the veneration with v/hich the children of liber- 
ty conterapbte the republic of Saint-Maiino/' 

The representatives of the republic of 
Saint-Marino, to citizen Monge, meffiber of 
the national institute of France, and member 
of the commission of arts and sciences in 
Italy, deputed by general Bonaparte, 

" Deputed-Citizen, 
" We can scarcely believe it i^eal tliat you should appear be- 
fore our assembly in the character of a republican deputy. It 
appears to us a phantom, of the imagination. Surrounded a^s 
we have been by slaves, apd wretches paii'ed to,ll)e ,ypU,e ,pf 
bondage, the pleasure is not less grateful, than the distip(^tipn 
is flattering, to receive assurances of friendship from a nation 
that has triumphed, over, despotism, and planted the tree of li- 

o 



106 THE HISTORY OF 

berty in their dominions. We deliver you the answer of the 
council to the eloquent address which you pronounced in the 
name of the French republic. It was received by the people 
with exquisite sensibility. Assure your general of our senti- 
ments of gratitude and veneration. Intercede with him for 
the favour which we find it necessary to our existence to de- 
mand, and be persuaded we shall ever remember with pleasure 
your own virtues and talents." 

« We count, citizen deputy, the day of your mission to our 
republic among the most glorious atras of our esdstence as a 
nation. The Frtnch republic, while she triumphs over her 
enemies by the power of her arms, conquers all hearts with 
the greatness of her generosity. Happy are we to have before 
us a model so deserving to excite our emulation, but more hap- 
py to find a friend in so mighty a nation. It is with the most 
lively interest that we behold the arms of the French republic 
recall to memory in Italy the celebrated deeds of ancient Greece 
and Rome. 

*' Our own enjoyment of liberty enables us to appreciate the 
magnanimous efforts of a great nation struggling to recover 
their's. You have left upon record an example of what energy- 
may be produced from the inspiration of this passion. Alone, 
and unassisted, you triumph over the united opposition of 
Europe. 

" Your army, marching upon the footsteps of Hannibal, and 
surpassing in atchievements the most vaunted feats of anti- 
quity, has, conducted by a hero, a heaven-born general* 
prosecuted its march to a corner of the globe where the re- 
mains of ancient liberty had fled to perpetuate her blessings, 
and where you will find the Spartan simplicity of manners, ra- 
ther than the Athenian elegance and refinement. 

" Return, therefore, to the hero who sent you hither, not 
so much with expressions of our homage, as our gratitude. In- 
form him that the republic of Saint-Marino, contented with 
humble mediocrity, desires not to increase its territory ; but 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. ler 

would felicitate herself upon beholding theii' band of union ce- 
mented by the opening of a commercial intercourse with the 
republic of France, and to enter into a treaty that shall give it 
the sanction of a law. 

" To this do we confine our ambition, and it is on this sub- 
ject that we intreat you to exert your influence with the French 
general in chief. Accept from us yourself, the assurances of 
our unalterable esteem, and believe us that we experience a 
most lively satisfaction in being honoured with the mission 
of a man, who to the virtues of a citizen joins the accomplish- 
ments of literature. The object of your expedition, and the 
happy manner in which you have acquitted it, will form a per- 
petual monument of glory to the conqueror of Italy and the ar- 
my which he commands ; and be transmitted with grateful re- 
membrance to the latest of our posterity.. 
« Saint-Marinot Februry 12, 1797." 

On the 17th of Pluviose, February the 
fifth, the division of Tyrol drove the Austri- 
ans from their position between Savero and 
Besotto ; and generat Marat on the following 
day forced on the right of the Adige the post 
of Denenbano, 

The Austrian levies were all stationed be- 
tween the Tagliamento and the Piave, while 
the French occupied the right banks of the 
latter, and were ready to oppose their pro- 
gress. On the 4th of Ventose, February 
twenty-second, general Guieux retook Trevi- 
zo ; and on the 5th, twenty-third, and fol- 
lowing days, the two armies had a variety of 
slight skirmishes, which were a prelude to 
more important conflicts. On the 12th of 
Ventose, March second, Bonaparte directed 



IDS' THE HISrORY OF 



general Joubert to attack the Austrians upon . 
the Lavis, which hmdered them from esta- 
blishmg themselves as they had intended. 
On the 20th, tenth, general Massena repair- 
ed to i'eltri, upon which the Austrians eva- 
cuated Cordevole, and proceeded to Bellum. 
Two days after, very early in the m.orning, 
the French passed the Piave, discomfited 
those Austrians who disputed the passage, 
and arrived at San-Salvador ; but the Aus- 
trians had left their camp at Campana, doubt- 
ful of being surrounded. Another division 
of the French followed in the afternoon, v/ho 
reached Conegliano the same night. On the 
23d, thirteenth, general Guieux attacked the 
Austrian rear-guard at Sacile, and made some 
of them prisoners. In the mean time gene- 
ral Massena had surrounded the rear-guard of 
another division of the Austrian army, and cap- 
tured 700 prisoners. On the 26th, sixteenth^ 
Boiiaparte ordered the divisions of general 
Guieux, Bernadotte and Serrurier, to proceed 
by Valvasone to the borders of the Taglia- 
mento, on the opposite side of which the 
Austrians were intrenched, to dispute the 
passage of the river. The French army at 
this crisis was divided by Bonaparte into three 
corps ; Massena with a considerable division 
was directed to pursue the Austrian troops 
who had posted themselves amidst the fast- 
nesses between the Venetian territories and 
the Tyrol ; the main body remained under 
the immediate commatid of Bonaparte, whilst 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. ' 109 

the third conducted by Joubert, Baraguay 
d'HiUiers and Dehiias, was to make a diver- 
sion, by penetrating along the Adige into 
Carinthia. 

These movements having been adjusted, 
and the main body of the French army hav- 
ing arrived on the banks of the TagUamento, 
which, ahhough a steep river with a very 
forcible current, could be easily forded, on 
account of the severity of tlie frost, Bona- 
parte resolved not to lose the advantages 
which the situation of the river now of- 
fered him ; as soon therefore as general Ber- 
nadotte arrived with his division, Guieux was 
commanded to pass the river under the cover 
of 12 pieces of artillery, to attack the right 
of the Austrian intrenchments, whilst Ber- 
nadotte made a similar attempt upon their left. 
The cannonading began and was continued 
with much vigour. Dupoz, at the head of 
one division, supported by general Bon and 
his grenadiers, and Murat with another, sus- 
tained by Bernadotte's grenadiers, plunged 
into the river at the same time, and landed 
on the opposite bank. The whole Trench 
line was in motion, the artillery soon follow- 
ing. On this bank the Austrian cavalry re- 
peatedly charged the French infimtry, but all 
their attempts to break the line were inef- 
fectual ; they resisted the shock with the 
points of their bayonets, and the incessant 
discharges of grape-shot, which fell like a 
shower upon the Austrians, soon overcame 



110 THE HISTORY OF 

all opposition, and being thrown into disor- 
der they abandoned a large portion of their 
artillery and baggage to the French, who cap- 
tured this day about 400 prisoners, many of 
them distinguished officers. 

The French army immediately passed Pal- 
manuova, where they procured a large quan- 
tity of provisions, crossed the Lifonzo and 
hastened to Gradisca, took possession of the 
heights which command the fortress, and 
immediately summoned the Austrians in it 
to surrender. Perfectly surrounded, with 
no possibility of escape, and certain of death 
in case of an assault, the garrison capitulated 
on the 29th Ventose, March nineteenth. In 
the fort were found 3,000 men, 10 pieces of 
cannon, and 8 sta.nds of colours. 

Whilst these events promoted the safety of 
the main body of the French army, the two 
divisions had triumphed in a similar manner. 
Massena became master of La Chiusa, and 
forced the bridge of Cassola, which the Aus- 
trians attempted in vain to hinder. This 
skirmish cost the latter 600 prisoners.... 
their magazines fell into the hands of the 
French, v/ho on this occasion entered the 
Austrian intrenchments sword in hand. This 
division of the French army continued its 
victorious progress, and drove the Austrians 
to v/hom it was opposed beyond the de- 
files of Caporetto. The French general pro- 
ceeded to Travis, where he was attacked by a 
large body of Austrians, and a most obsti^ 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. Ill 

nate battle was fought, but the Austrians 
were entirely defeated. Three generals were 
taken, and a regiment of Cuirassiers nearly- 
destroyed. In the mean time general 
Guieux had beaten a column at Pufero, who 
accelerated their march to reach the defile of 
La Chiusa, a strongly fortified post, from 
which they were obliged to retire after an ob- 
stinate defence, and immediately encountered 
Massena's division; a slight contest ensued, 
but the whole body laid down their arms to 
the Trench.... 5,000 men, 4 generals, 400 
baggage waggons and 30 pieces of cannon, 
were the reward of this day's labour. This 
battle was fought above the clouds, on the 
top of the mountains, where the snow was 
three feet deep, and the cavalry forced to 
charge on the ice. 

Joubert, who had been sent through the 
Tyrol to rejoin Bonaparte at La Drave, was 
equally fortunate with the other parts of the 
army. He began his march on the 30th of 
Ventose, March twentieth, and in the vicini- 
ty of Lavis surrounded a corps of the Austri- 
ans, who maintained a long and bloody con- 
flict, which ended in the capture of 4,000 of 
them prisoners, with all their baggage and 3 
pieces of cannon.. ..2,000. were killed. This 
body was composed chiefly of Tyrolean rifle- 
men. 

The Austrians retired after this defeat to 
the right bank of the Adige, in which posi- 
tion they appeared to be determined to conti- 
nue. General Joubert, on the 2d of Germinal, 



113 THE HISTORY OF 

March twenty-second, repaired to Salerno, 
whilst general Vial gained possession of the 
bridge of Neumark, and intercepted general 
Laudohn's retreat. An obstinate combat fol- 
lowed, the issue of which appeared uncertain, 
until general Dumas with the cavalry rushed 
into the village of Tramin, made 600 prison- 
ers, and captured two pieces of cannon. The 
Austrian troops immediately fled to the 
mountains, as their retreat was lost. 

The French troops passed through Bot- 
zen and proceeded to Clausen. The Austri- 
ans in this place were strongly defended both 
by their own efforts and by works almost in- 
accessible ; but the attack of the French was 
so vehement, and their efforts so ably direct- 
ed, that the victory belonged to them, with 
1,500 prisoners. 

At Brixen, Botzen, and in the other depots, 
the French found large quantities of provi- 
sions, which were generally accompanied by 
the Austrian hospitals, the latter retreating so 
suddenly as not to be able to take them away. 
Bonaparte during the time which had elapsed 
in the transaction of these events, had with 
the main body of the army entered Goritz on 
the 2d of Germinal, March twenty-second, 
in which the Arch-Duke had left hi^ maga- 
zines of provisions and military stores. On 
the 4th, twenty-sixth, general Dugua entered 
Trieste, and the mines of Ydria afforded Bo- 
naparte, gold to the amount of nearly twenty- 
two millions, upwards of 80,0001. sterling. 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 113 



On the 9th, twenty-ninth, he arrived at Clag- 
enfurth, the capital of Carinthia, and on the 
12th, April first, he promulged this address: 

BONAPARTE TO THE PEOPLE OF THE PROVINCE 
OF GORITZ. 

^'' Head-Quarters^ GorilZf Germmal 1, March twenty -first, 
"The mention of the French army has unjustly carried ter- 
ror with it. We neither come hither to conquer your coun- 
try, to change your manners, nor to alter your religion. The 
French republic is the friend of all nations. Woe to those 
kings who have the folly to make war against her. 

" Priests, nobles, citizens, people, who form the popula- 
tion of the province of Goritz, banish your fears, we are good 
and humane. You will experience more liberal dealings from 
us than from the ambassadors or ministers of kings. 

" Enter not into a quarrel with which you have no business. 
I will protect your persons, your dwellings, your possessions, 
your privileges and religion. I will restore to you your rights. 
The French people consider every victory base and counterfeit 
which has not justice for its characteristick." 

After a few slight skirmishes which occur- 
red between the 29th and the first of April, the 
armies on that day met and fought with great 
fury at St. George, which opened a passage 
for the French to Neumark, at which they 
arrived on the following morning. General 
Joubert still continued his progress, and on 
the 8th, twenty -eighth, forced the defile of 
Inspruck," after a brisk cannonading. 

Bonaparte whilst at Clagenfurth, and be- 
fore the battle of St. George, wrote to the 
Arch-Duke as follows : 

P 



114 THE HISTORY OF 



BONAPARTE TO THE ARCH-DUKE CHARLES. 

'i llth Germi7ial, March thirty -Jirst. 
« M. General in Chief, 

" Brave soldiers make war, ancT desire peace. Have not hos- 
tilities lasted for six years ? Have we notkilled men, and com- 
mitted evils enough against suffering humanity ? Such are the 
exclamations used on all sides. Europe, which had taken up 
arms against the French republic, has laid them down. Your 
nation alone remains ; and yet blood is about to flow more than 
ever. The sixth campaign is announced under the most por- 
tentous auspices. Whatever may be the result, many thou- 
sands of gallant soldiers must still fall a sacrifice in the prose- 
cution of the contest. At some period we must come to an un- 
derstanding, since time will bring all things to a conclusion, 
and extinguish the most inveterate resentments. 

" The executive directory of the French republic communi- 
cated to his Imperial majesty its inchnation to terminate a con- 
flict which desolates the two countries. These pacific over- 
tures were defeated by the intervention of the British cabinet. 
Is there no hope, then, of accommodation ? Is it essential to 
the interests, or gratitying to the passions, of a nation far re- 
moved from the theatre of war, that we should continue to 
murder each other ? Are not you, who are so nearly allied to 
the throne, and who are above all the despicable passions which 
generally influence ministers and governments, ambitious to 
merit the appellations of ' the benefactor of the human race' 
and ' the saviour of the German empire.' Do not imagine, 
my dear general, that I wish to insinuate that you cannot possi- 
bly save your country by force of arms ; but on the supposition 
that the chances of war were even to become favourable, Ger- 
many will not suffer less on that account. With respect to 
myself, gallant commander, if the overture which I have now the 
honour to make to you could be the means of sparing the life of 
a single man, I should think myself prouder of the civic crown 
to which my interference would entitle me, than ofthemelan- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 115 

choly glory likely to result from the most brilliant military ex. 
ploits. I beg of you to believe me to be, general in chief, with 
sentiments of the most profound respect and esteem, 8cc. Sec. 

« BON AP ARE." 

THE ARCH-DUKE CHARLES'S REPLY TO BONA- 
PARTE. 

" M. General, 

" Though I make war, and obey the dictates of honour and 
duty, yet I desire, as well as yourself peace, for the happi- 
ness of the people and the interest of humanity. 

" As, nevertheless, in the post with which I am intrusted, 
it does not belong to me to scrutinise or to terminate the quar- 
rels of the belligerent powers ; and as I am not furnished,, on 
the part of his Imperial majesty, with any power to treat ; you 
will see that it is natural, M. general, that I should not enter 
into any negociation with you on that subject, but wait for su- 
perior ordei's relative to an object of such high importance, and 
which is not fundamentally a part of my duty. But whatever 
may be the future chaiice of the war, or the hopes of peace, I 
entreat you to t>e persuaded, M. general, of my distinguished 
esteem and consideration. 

" CHARLES, Field-Marshal." 

A skirmish took place at the entrance in- 
to Hundsmark on the 14th, April third, 
which continued for an hour, and ended in 
the loss of nearly 900 of the Austrians, 600 
of whom were prisoners : the French immedi- 
ately occupied Kintenfield, Murau and Ju- 
denburgh ; and in this position the whole of 
the divisions re-united; Joubert was accom- 
panied by 8,000 prisoners, whom he had cap- 
tured in the course of his march through the 
Tyrol. 



1^6 THE HISTORY OF 



Bonaparte had now traversed the southern 
eham of the Alps, and arrived within 30 
leagues of Vienna : nothing less was antici- 
pated than that the French would pursue the 
road to Vienna, and consternation filled the 
capital, whose inhabitants were clamorous 
for peace; which induced the Emperor to re- 
quest a suspension of arms. The Count de 
Bellegarde and M. Morveldt, the Imperial 
plenipotentiaries, visited Bonaparte at his 
head-quarters, Leoben, and presented him a 
note in the name of the Emperor, to which 
Bonaparte immediately replied : 

" Judenbur^h, ,4firit 7; 
" His majesty the Emperor and King has nothing niore at 
heart than to concur in restoring repose to Europe, and putting 
an end to a war which desolates the two nations ; in consequence 
of the overture whieh you made toliis royal highness by your let- 
ter from Clagenfurt, his majesty the Emperor has accordingljf 
sent us to you, to treat on a subject of such high importance..... 
Pursuant to the conversation we have just had with you, and 
persuaded of the good-will, as well as the intention of the 
two powers, to terminate, as soon as possible, this disastrous 
warj his royal highness desires an armistice for nine day«, on 
purpose to attain the desired end with more speed, and in 
order that all delays and obstacles which the continuance of 
hostilities might occasion to the negociation may be removed} 
and every thing ctaicur to the re-establishment of peace 
between the two great nations. 

« Count BELLEGARDE, Lieut. General. 

" MORVELDT, Major.General." 
« TO GENERALS BELLEGARDE AND MORVELDT. 
" Gentlemen, 
" In the military position of the two armies, an armistice is 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE . lit 

hostile to the French ; but if it be to smooth the road to peace, 
which is so much desired, and will be so useful to the two 
nations, I consent without difficulty to your desires. 

" The French republic has often manifested to his majesty 
her desire to put an end to this cruel war : she remains in the 
same sentiments ; and I do not doubt, after the conference 
which I have had the honour to have with you, that in a few 
days peace will be at length re-established between the French 
republic and the Emperor. I beg you to confide in those sen- 
timents of esteem and consideration with which I am, gentle- 
men, &c. 

« BONAPARTE " 

An armistice was agreed to, and prelimina- 
ries of peace instantly succeeded. The pre- 
liminaries began with a declaration on the part 
of the Emperor, that he acknowledged the 
French republick. Bonaparte, interrupting the 
recital, observed with dignity, " The French 
" republick is, like the sun in the firmament ; and 
" blind indeed are those who have not observ- 
" ed its splendour .'" The article was erased. 

At the signing of these preliminaries the 
Emperor sent three of the principal nobility 
of his court as hostages. Bonaparte receiv- 
ed them with every mark of distinction, invi- 
ted them to dine with him, and at the desert 
said, " Gentlemen, you are free : tell your 
" master that if his imperial Word require a 
" pledge, you cannot serve as such ; and if 
" it require none, that you ought not." 

The Venetians were next to feel the effects 
of Bonaparte's resentment : the government 
of that city had expressed the most enthusi- 
astic rapture when they reflected that he 



118 THE HISTORY OF 

might among the mountains and defiles of 
Styria, experience the fate of Charles XII. at 
Pultowa, and manifested the most pointed 
enmity to the French. 

Whilst Bonaparte continued his brilliantly 
successful career, three hundred French, who 
were sick in the hospitals at Verona, were 
murdered in cold blood by the Venetians : a 
trifling advantage which a body of Austrians 
had gained over a division of the French ar- 
my, separated from the main body, produc- 
ed a belief in the citizens of Verona and its 
vicinity, that victory had abandoned the con- 
queror of Italy. When Bonaparte heard 
this affecting intelligence, he wrote to the 
Doge of Venice a menacing letter :.... 

" Through your contmental territories the subjects of the 
" most serene republic are in arms j the rallying word is, 
" Death to the French." 

" The number of soldiers of the army of Italy who have 
" been its victims, amounts to many hundreds.... Do you be- 
" lieve that when I can carry our arms into the heart of Ger- 
" many, I have not a force sufficient to make the first people. 
" in the world respected ? Do you think that the Italian legi- 
" ons can suffer the massacres which you excite ? The blood 
•' of our brethren shall be revenged. I resolved to send 
'' you my propositions by one of my aides-de-camp and chiefs 
" of brigade.... r^Far or peace. If you do not immediately adopt 
" measures to disperse the mobs. ...if you do not arrest and 
" deliver into my hands the perpetrators of the murders which 
" have been committed. ...war is declared." 

The Doge replied: he assured Bonaparte 
of the grief which the senate felt upon the 



NAPOLEON BONAPAHTE. 1 19 

reception of his letter, expressing to him all 
that desire which the Venetian government 
entertained to live in peace and in the best 
harmony with the French republick ; that if 
the Venetians had taken up arms, it was from 
fidelity and attachment io their lawful gov ern- 
mejtt against those %vho had mutinied and re" 
volted; that in addition, the senate were dis- 
posed to deliver to the hero of Italy those who 
had committed these assassinations upon the 
French; and that he had prohibited the use 
of arms among his subjects except in their 
own defence against the rebels. 

Bonaparte had offered them peace or war^ 
and when the preliminaries of peace with 
Austria were signed, he determined upon the 
latter. Before he commenced offensive ope- 
rations he published the following manifesto, 
stating his complaints and the reasons of his 
conduct : 

*' Head-Quarters^ Palma JV^uovo, 14 Ploreal, May thirteen. 
" Whilst the French were engaged in the defiles of Styria, 
and left far behind them Italy and the principal establishments 
of the army, where only a small number of battalions remain- 
ed, this was the conduct of the government of Venice : 1 . 
They profited of Passion-week, to arm forty thousand pea- 
sants, and uniting these with ten regiments of Sclavonians, 
organized them into different corps, and sent them to different 
points, to intercept all kinds of communication between the 
French army and the places in its rear, — 2. Extraordinary 
commissaries, ammunition of all kinds, and a great quantity 
of cannon, were sent from Venice to complete the organiza- 
tion of different corps. — 3. All persons in the Terra Firma, 



120 THE HISTORY OF 

who had received us favourably, were arrested ; benefits and 
the confidence of the government were conferred upon all 
those who possessed a furious hatred to the French name, and 
especially the fifteen conspii-ators of Verona whom the prove- 
ditori Prioli had arrested three months ago as having preme- 
ditated the massacre of the French. — 4. In the squares, cof- 
fee-houses, and other public places of Venice, all French- 
men were insulted, mal-treated, and called by the names of 
jacobins, regicides, atheists. The French were ordered to 
leave Venice, and a short time afterwards they were prohibit- 
ed from entering it. — 5. The people of Padua, Vicenza, and Ve- 
rona, were ordered to take up arms, to second the different corps 
of the ai'my, and to begin the new Sicihan Vespers. It belongs, 
said the Venetian officers, to the lion of St. Mark to verify 
the proverb — that Italy is the tomb of the French*-^6. The 
priests in the pulpit preached up the crusade : and the priests 
in the state of Venice never speak any thing but the will of 
the government. Pamphlets, perfidious proclamations, ano- 
nymous letters, were printed in the different towns, and be- 
gan to agitate the minds of all : in a state where the liberty 
of the press is not permitted, in a government as much fear- 
ed as it is secretly detested, printers publish, and authors 
write, nothing but what the senate pleases. — 7. All smiled at 
first at the perfidious project of the government. French 
blood flowed on every side. On all the roads, our convoys, 
our couriers, and every thing for the army, were intercepted. 
— 8. At Padua, a chief of battalion and two other Frenchmen 
were arrested. At Castiglione de Mori our soldiers were dis- 
armed and assassinated. On all the great roads from Man- 
tua to Legnago, and from Cassano to Verona, we had more 
than two hundred men assassinated. — 9. Two French battali- 
ons, wishing to join the army, met at Chiari with a division 
of the Venetian troops, which attempted to oppose their pas- 
sage : an obstinate conflict took place) and our brave soldiers 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 121 



cut a way for themselves, by putting these perfidious enemies 
to the route.— 10. At Valeggio there was another battle, &t 
Dessengaro a third. The French were every where the v/eak- 
est in numbers ; but they know well that the number of the 
-enemy's battalions is never counted when they are composed 
only of assassins. — 11. At the second feast in Easter, on the 
ringing of the bell, ali the French were assassinated in Vero- 
na, Neither the sick in the hospitals were respected, nor 
those who, in a state of convalescence, were walking in the 
streets ; they were thrown into the Adige, where they died, 
pierced with a thousand wounds from stilettos. More than 
four hundred were assassinated.— 12. For atveek the Vene- 
tian army besieged the three castles of Verona. The cannon 
which were placed on the battery were carried at the point of 
the bayonet. The town was set on fire, and the moveable co- 
lumn that arrived in the interim, put these cowards to com- 
plete rout, by taking three thousand of the enemy prisoners, 
among whom were several Venetian generals. — -13. The house 
of the French consul to Zante was burnt in Dalmatia — 14. 
A Venetian ship of war took an Austrian convoy under its pro^ 
tection, and fired several shot at the corvette La Brune. — 15. 
The Uberateur d'ltulie^ a vessel of the republic, with only- 
three or four small pieces of cannon, and a crew of forty men, 
was sunk in the very port of Venice, and by order of the se- 
nate. The young and intrepid Haugier, lieutenant and com. 
mander of the said ship, as soon as he saw himself attacked 
by the fire of the fort and the admiral's galley, being from both 
not more than pistol-shot, ordered his crew to go below. He 
alone got upon the deck, in the jnidst of a storm of grape-shot, 
and endeavoured, by his speeches, to disarm the fury of his 
assassins ; but he fell dead. His crew threw themselves into 
the sea, and were pursued by six shallops, with troops on board, 
in the pay of Venice, who cut to pieces several that sought for 



122 THE HISTORY OF 

safety in the water. One of the masters, with several wounds, 
and bleeding in every part, had the good fortune to reach the 
shore, near the castle of the port ; but the commandant him- 
self cut off his hand with an axe.. 

" On account of the above-mentioned grievances, and 
in consequence of the urgency of affairs, the general in 
chief requires the French minister to the republic of Venice, 
to leave the said city ; directs the different agents of the re- 
public of Venice in Lombardy, and the Venetian Terra Fir- 
ma, to quit it in twenty -four hours ; directs the generals of di- 
vision to treat as enemies the troops of the republic of Venice, 
and to pull down, in the towns of the Terra Firma, the lion 
of St. Mark. Every one will receive, in the orders of the 
day to-morrowj a particular instruction respecting ulterior ope- 
rations. 

« BONAPARTE." 

On the sixteenth day after the pubHcation 
of this manifesto, Baraguay d'HiUiers enter- 
ed Venice with 6,000 men. The French mi- 
nister immediately addressed the government, 
and deeply lamented that which the Vene- 
tians had committed against the French. He 
Said, " French blood has been shed : it de- 
" mands vengeance ; it shall obtain it." The 
council replied,' " That the restoration of 
" harmony was the object of their public ef- 
" forts ; that they desired the suspension of 
" hostilities to settle amicably all differences 
" between the republics of France and Ve- 
" nice." They named three commissioners, 
arrested the three inquisitors of state, as the 
authors of the troubles ; ordered that every 
person should give information respecting 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 123 

those who were concerned in the assassinati- 
ons ; and imprisoned many persons of rank. 

The French army triumphed throughout 
the Venetian repubhc. In one of the procla- 
mations Augereau said : 

" People ! I come amongst you to punish crime, to protect 
innocence, and to avenge the blood of my brethren. I know the 
evil which you have done us.; I know to what a length the ter- 
rible right of conquest extends ; I know how far we might 
urge our vengeance ; but you were deceived by fanaticism and 
giddiness. You are conquered, unhappy and submissive ; we 
shall be compassionate, kind and just. Generosity becomes 
power ; nevertheless let none be imposed upon ; it is for weak- 
ness, poverty and credulity I shall permit the heart to speak : 
the wicked enlightened man, the perfidious conspirator, need 
not expect kindness ; they shall be punished." 

Augereau entered Verona ; the peasants 
detained in fort St. FeUx were led before the 
constituted authorities, and then to the place 
of execution to be shot : the general, after 
liaving addressed them in the language of the 
proclamation, said to them: 

"Far from slaying you, I will return the children to their 
mothers, husbands to their wives, fathers to their mourning 
families, and citizens to the state. I come to dry up the tears 
of repentance, and to conquer hearts to the French : go, ye 
unfortunate, return to your countrymen ; and say to them how 
we revenge ourselves I" 

After the French had taken possession of 
Venice, the Pacha of Scutari wrote a letter 
to Bonaparte :.... 



124 THE HISTORY OF 



THE PACHA IBRAHIM. 

" God is great, and his tvorks are wonderful." 
" To the general in chief Bonaparte, protector of the law of 
Issa ; to the powerful man of the French republick ; to the 
general of generals, mighty conqueror of the countries of 
Italy, general in chief, faithful, beloved, merciful, benefi- 
ceut : it is to him that I address this writing :.... 
*' Prince of generals, O that your vows may be favourably 
heard 1 O that our friendship may be eternal I O that 
my sincere salutation may reach you I O that I may be in- 
formed of the happy state of yoivr health. I request the fa- 
vour that my subjects and my merchants who have business in 
Venice, may be protected in their persons and their commer- 
cial business ; that the merchants of Scutari, my subjects, 
may be regarded, protected and honoured : I desire to give 
ycu the most frequent and signal proofs of my friendship. 
This letter will serve to express to you my aeknowledge- 
ments. 

" God is great, and his works are wonderful. O that the 
friendship which unites us may never cease. 

" In the first days of Mabaram, year of the Hegira, 
1272." 

BONAPARTE TO THE PACHA IBRAHIM. 

" I have read with much pleasure the flattering expressions 
contained in the letter of your highness. The French repub- 
lick is truly the friend of the Subhme Porte; she particu- 
larly esteems the brave Albanian nation which is under your 
command. 

" Your highness will find annexed the order AVhich I ha-ve- 
given that the Ottoman flag should be respected in the Adria- 
tick ocean. The Turks shall be treated not only as other nati- 
ons, but with peculiar partiality. On all occasions I will pro- 
tect the Albanians, and shall feel a pleasure in giving to your 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 125 



highness a proof of my esteem, and of the high consideration 
which 1 have for it. 

" I request your highness to receive in testimony of my 
friendship, the four chests of muskets which I herewith send 
to you." 

Augereau destroyed the old form of go- 
vernment, and established a democracy ; but 
by the definitive treaty of peace of Camp6 
Formio, which Bonaparte signed on the 26th 
Vendemiaire, October twenty-sixth, Venice 
and its dependencies on the continent were de- 
livered to Austria. 

Bonaparte at Campo Formio, displayed that 
warmth of character for which he is distin- 
guished. Perceiving that the proposals of 
the French government were not much at- 
tended to by the Austrian deputies, he took 
up a beautiful piece of China, dashed it 
to atoms, saying, " Since you will hjave 
it so, thus will I reduce you to dust:" and 
instantly quitted the room. The energy with 
which he spoke intimidated the Austrian go- 
vernment so much that they acceded to terms 
immediately, and the treaty was signed in the 
course of a few days. 

Having fixed peace on the continent, and 
established the Italian republicks, he returned 
to Paris, where he was received by the go- 
vernment and the people as the conqueror of 
Italy, with the most vehement applause. 

Some intimate friends of Bonaparte talking 
freely with him concerning the treaty of Cam- 
po Formio, observed, that he had allowed the 



126 THE HISTORY OF 

Emperor great advantages in giving up to him 
the spoils of Venice; and that the destruction 
of one of the most ancient repubHcs in the 
world had served only to indemnify the Em- 
peror, through the success of a repub- 
lican general. " I was playing at vingt-et- 
iin^''' said the conqueror, " and being twenty I 
stood.'' 

The congress of Rastadt was appointed 
some time after, and Bonaparte deputed as 
plenipotentiary on the part of the French ; 
but the general discovered that it was more 
easy to march over mountains, besiege towns, 
and conquer hostile intrenchments, than to 
vanquish the duplicity and insincerity of 
statesmen, and adjust the disputes which they 
make, merely to protract the proceedings, and 
by extending the points of negociation, to per- 
plex those who are engaged in them. He 
therefore left Rastadt, and at Paris began to 
meditate upon the Egyptian expedition. 

It is almost superfluous to add any remarks 
\ipon Bonaparte's first Italian campaign, or 
to investigate his individual character from 
the events already narrated. He appears in 
the most favourable light, in almost every in- 
cident. His military skill as displayed in 
1796 and 1797, raises him to the very high- 
est rank As a warrior : and whether we consi- 
der the science which characterises his plans, 
the almost intuitive perception which he e-dnc- 
cd of the errors of those whom he opposed, 
the rapidity with which he seized every ad- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 12f 

vantage arising from those errors, the cool- 
ness and intrepidity which he manifested in 
every difficuhy, or the unbounded authority 
which he had acquired over his soldiers, it 
must be admitted tiiat modern history at leasts 
affords no parallel to Napoleon Bonaparte, 
There are two qualifications uniting in the 
subject of this history, which are indispensa- 
bly necessary to the commander of an army ; 
that presence of mind which no danger can 
disconcert, and that unconcern respecting the 
indulgence of the natural appetites and passi- 
ons which no hardships can discompose. The 
history of these campaigns affords ample 
proof of the prudence and judgment of 
the directory in appointing to the most diffi- 
cult service in the republic, a man, to whom 
as a general, the renowned heroes of Greece 
and Rome must relinquish their laurels, and 
acknowledge that our times have produced 
their superiour. 

A late writer who has published his observa- 
tions on that portion of Bonaparte's life which 
includes his consulship, has advanced an cpi- 
nion, which it is almost unnecessary to con- 
tradict. Of Talleyrand he says, " His pow- 
" er over the chief consul increases daily, 
" and must increase, as he is the only one 
" who is thoroughly versed in a thousand 
" things of which Bonaparte and his nearest 
" attendants know nothing." This must refer 
to the presumed ignorance of Bonaparte with 
regard to the art of governing : but a consi- 



128 THE HISTORY OF 

deration of the scenes in which he was en- 
gaged in Italy and in Egypt, will force us to 
conclude, either that the author was a very su- 
perficial observer of the consul, or that he 
composed his volume under the influence of 
the strongest prejudice. In Europe, it is al- 
most impossible for any man to relate Bona- 
parte's interesting history, untainted by the 
violence of party spirit.. ..on the one hand it 
will be unqualified panegyrick, or on the 
other, the most virulent reproaches : but We 
who are at a distance, and whose passions are 
less roused, can examine the character of any 
public individual, though not so minutely, 
undoubtedly with more accuracy. 

Bonaparte in Italy demonstrated that he 
possesses all those requisites so desirable in 
the executive department of governm,ent : 
and at this period of his life it cannot be 
disputed tha.t Talleyrand had given him no in- 
tructions in political legerdemain. To the 
revolutionary spirit excited, nourished and 
animated by the French general alone, must 
be itmputed much of the success which at- 
tended his army : the republicks established and 
the measures adopted by him at that peri- 
od discover great penetration, a just view of 
the importance of raising a strong barrier to 
any sudden inroads upon the French territo- 
ry by the German Emperor, a clear estimate 
of the human character, and a perfect ac- 
quaintance with all those means which are so 
necessary to gain and to secure the affections 
of a conquered people. 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 129 

Some have murmured at the removal of the 
paintings, statues, manuscripts, &:c. which 
were buried in dust at Milan and Rome, and 
which are now the ornament of Paris: 
but the whole literary world regard the pre- 
sent ruler of France as having in this in- 
stance proved himself to be the patron of 
science. ...the monuments of genius and taste 
which had been so long obscured are now 
exhibited to all nations, and the various pro- 
ductions of art which the ignorance and bi- 
gotry of past ages had concealed, are dis- 
played for the present generation to admire 
and to imitate. 

It cannot be denied by the most determin- 
ed opponent of Bonaparte, that he has very 
essentially contributed to the diffusion of sci- 
entifick knowledge in France, and that the ex- 
hibition of those remains of ancient genius, 
which are now deposited in Paris, has been 
attended by the most important effects : these 
chef d'oeuvres of themostrenownedartists have 
kindled a spirit of enthusiasm in the literati of 
France, which never can be eradicated whilst he 
holds the direction of public affairs. To the 
philanthropist who rejoices in the dissemination 
of every kind of knowledge, the issue of the 
campaigns in Italy must be very grateful.... for 
in whatever point of view we consider them, 
we cannot doubt but that the chans^e to the 
inhabitants was advantageous. It is true 
they were burdened with many exactions, 

R 



130 THE HISTORY OF 

they were impoverished by contributions, but 
they were released in some measure from the 
chains of that odious tyranny which had du- 
ring so many centuries degraded the sons of 
the Roman patriots to the level of the animal 
whose guide is instinct and passion alone. 

The individual character of the man was 
amply displayed whilst he commanded the ar- 
my of Italy.. ..and if in the punishment of those 
who opposed him, he may have evinced 
a disposition to adopt barbarous measures to 
enforce his regulations, and to maintain obe- 
dience ; it must be admitted that his situation 
was so delicate and insecure that it required 
strong measures to confirm his possession of 
the newly conquered countries. In the instances 
alluded to, the village of Binasco, and the 
domain of Arquata, his conduct is decidedly 
at variance with the whole tenour of his pri- 
vate life. His attention to his soldiers, his 
sympathising with them in all their concerns, 
his addresses to them, his letters, all prove 
that Bonaparte possessed a considerable share 
of the " milk of human kindness." 

it may be said that all his kindness or pre- 
tended affection for his officers and troops, as 
well as his severity with respect to the Itali- 
ans who revolted, proceeded from the same 
source.. ..an insatiate love of fame, and an un- 
conquerable ambition. But this does not af- 
fect the view which is given of the genuine 
character of Bonaparte. ...and it must be re- 
marked that we have much more reason to sus- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. ISl 

pect the purity of motive for every uncommon 
measure which he may now execute, than 
when his name was ahnost unknown to his 
country, and when the extraordinary success 
which attended his mihtary career was almost 
sufficient of itself to insure his proscription. 

One author who appears to have spared no 
pains to procure the Austrian relation of the 
campaign of 1796 in Italy, can see little or 
no merit in Bonaparte, but this is surely an 
unfair estimate of his talents. Upon the 
presumption that Carnot's mathematical and 
geographical knowledge furnished the out- 
lines of the course which the young hero 
should pursue, nothing can be deducted from 
the talents and skill of the chief of the ar- 
my. 

Carnot did not select his generals ; Carnot 
did not compose those classical and energetic 
harangues and addresses which whilst they 
inspired his own army with every degree of 
energy and confidence calculated to insure 
success to his operations, scattered dismay 
and terror amongst the soldiers and adherents 
of the house of Austria ; Carnot did not, 
could not have anticipated those multifarious 
events which demanded a promptitude of mi- 
litary movements, admitting of not a mo- 
ment's delay, which vv^ere all directed by Bo^ 
naparte in person, w^hich required an immense 
fund of activity and knowledge in the leader, 
and v/hich were rendered more necessary 
than in any campaign of which modern his- 



132 THE HISTORY OF 

tory speaks ; because as fast as one army 
was conquered, another was recruited and 
dispatched against him ; and at no one peri- 
od from the commencement of hostiUties until 
the preliminaries of peace were signed, did he 
command an army more than four-fifths of 
the number of either of those six armies 
which he either captured or dispersed ; and 
aUhough Carnot might have sketched some 
instructions for the general, he could not 
have animated the troops with the enthusiasm 
which they indisputably felt.... he could not 
have prepared any plan to derange the pro- 
gress of the Austrian troops, when no mor- 
tal could possibly know what course the ar- 
mies might follow, and especially as every 
advantage in the spring of 1796 was altoge- 
ther with the combined forces. 

The energy, celerity and perspicacity 
which were apparent in Bonaparte through 
the whole of the campaigns, provided he pos- 
sessed no other qualities to entitle him to the 
rank to which he attained, would justify the 
impartial historian in elevating him to one of 
the highest stations among the host of men 
who have no other claim to renov/n than the 
superior facility with which they can load 
their fellov/ creatures with all the miseries in- 
cident to human nature. 

But the motives of all his conduct are the 
grand point upon which the question rests 
with regard to Bonaparte's character. That 
he felt in common with all military men, a 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 13» 

Strong desire to become eminent cannot be 
disputed ; that he displayed much hauteur 
and self-importance when young, is evident ; 
and that even in Italy there are some in- 
stances in his journeys which evidenced much 
of the infirmity of the human character is in- 
controvertibly true. Nevertheless, that he is 
an ignorant upstart, without genius or learn- 
ing, without science or courage, and depen- 
dent altogether upon the advice, prudence 
and management of others in his civil govern- 
ment, is a position so preposterous as to re- 
quire no refutation. If the transactions al- 
ready related do not suffice to convince every 
person of the genius of Bonaparte, let the 
following address which he made to his army 
when he had resolved to begin hostile opera- 
tions, be adduced :.... 

" Soldiers ! 
" This is no longer a defensive war, it is a war of invasion J 
' you are now to make conquests. You have no equipage, 
" no magazines ; you are without artillery, without clothes, 
" without shoes, without pay ; you want every thing; but you 
'' are rich in courage. Well I there are your magazines ; 
" your artillery ; you have iron and lead ; march, and they 
" shall soon be yours." He then shewed them the fertile 
" plains of Lombardy and Piedmont. " The enemy are four 
" times more numerous than you, hence we shall gain a great- 
*' er degree of glory." 

This is not an incorrect description of the 
state of the French army : with what talents 
must that man be endowed, who could with 
a body of not 60,000 men, so unprovided, set 
at defiance the German empire, and all the 



134 THE HISTORY OF 

Italian pov/ers, and eventually oblige each 
governnient in rotation to submit to the terms 
of peace which he d^cta,ted. 

Many circumstances in addition to those 
whic'i'i have been recited, attest that Bonaparte 
was not devoid of that sensibility which is one 
of the finest attributes of human nature. At 
the passage of the Piave, a soldier carried 
away by the current, was on the point of be- 
ing drov/ned : a woman who accompanied the 
column jumped into the water, and saved his 
life. The general made her a present of a 
gold neck-lace, ornamented v/ith a civic 
crovv^n, and the name of the soldier engraved 
in it. 

The death of Hoche undoubtedly affect- 
ed Bonaparte very sensibly.... to manifest 
his esteem for the memory of a man who di^ 
ed as he had lived, universally beloved.. ..the 
general offered a thousand sequins to any 
person who composed an ode v/orthy of the 
subject, on the restoration of peace in La 
Vendee, which had been established by the 
unremhtting efforts and patriotic exertions of 
Hoche. 

The means by which Bonaparte attained 
his vast ascendency over the soldiers, may be 
correctly appreciated by the following inci- 
dent : One of the cavalry was deputed from 
Milan to Montebello, with very urgent dis- 
patches : upon his arrival he found the gene- 
ral ready to depart in pursuit of the Austri- 
ans ; he delivered him the packet, and waited 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 135 

his answer. Bonaparte immediately gave it 
him : " Go," said he, " and above all things 
" go quickly." " General, as swiftly as I 
" can : but I have no horse ; I killed him, by 
" the speed which I made on my journey ; he 
" lies dead at the door of your house. '' It is 
" a horse you want only ; take mine." The 
messenger objected to the present...." You 
" will find him a very fine horse, and very 
" richly harnessed: Go, my comrade, there 
" is nothing too magnificent for a French war- 



Expedition to Egypt* 



BONAPARTE having tetired from the 
congress at Rastadt, returned to Paris, and 
the leisure which the want of active service 
afforded, permitted him to form new plans, 
and to invent new projects. The treaty of 
Campo Formio had rendered unnecessary a 
very considerable part of the immense bo- 
dies of troops which had been employed in 
defending the republic, and the directory 
were desirous to engage them in some service 
which would eflPectually injure the British 
commerce. The English were complete mas- 
ters of the sea, and able to purchase a conti- 
nental war at any time ; hence the French go- 
vernment were anxious to despoil her of part 
of her great mercantile influence, by opening 
new channels to acquire wealth. With this 
view, the hero of Italy conceived the design 
of subjugating Egypt, which proposed every 
advantage to the French, and which if it had 
been successful, would have strongly influ- 
enced the English East-India possessions. 
Situated as were the two hostile countries, 
the expedition to Egypt evinces all the distin- 



I-HE HISTORY OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 137 

gnishing traits of Bonaparte's character. Si- 
milar measures with those which had been 
adopted in Italy, were rendered more neces- 
sary, whilst an extensive acquaintance with 
the Eastern manners, great self-denial and 
uncommon fortitude to bear the unezpanpled 
difficulties which they had to encounter, 
were indispensable. 

This enterprise required profound genius, 
a penetrating mind, a legislating spirit, vast 
local knowledge, much coolness and intrepi- 
dity, vigour of plan, energy in execution, 
and boldness nearly allied to temerity. All 
these qualities unite in Bonaparte : and the 
directory having assented to the plan v/hich 
he proposed, an armament w^as prepared with 
the greatest activity at Marseilles and Tou- 
lon, and in the month of Floreal, April-May, 
1798, the requisites v/ere provided for this 
hazardous voyage. 

All the countries of Europe contempla- 
ted with much anxiety the destination of 
this immense armament : it was promulged 
that England was to be invaded by it, that 
its real object might remain unknown to the 
British fleets. Bonaparte understanding 
that the vessels were ready to weigh anchor, 
and attended by the generals and soldiers 
who had conquered Italy, arrived at Toulon, 
to which port a large body of literati had 
proceeded to accompany him. 

S 



135 THE HISTORY OF 

Previous to his departure, Bonaparte to 
improve his leisure, demanded from the Ubra- 
ry at Milan all the books which treated on 
Egypt, Syria, the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, 
&:c. On returning them, the passages which 
related to Egypt were marked, so that he 
appears to have availed himself of every ne- 
cessary pre-requisiie, and maturely weighed 
the arduousness of the undertaking. 

Bonaparte did not arrive at Toulon until 
the beginning of May 1798 : on the 19th 
Floreal, May eighth, he visited the squa- 
dron ; on the 21st, tenth, he addressed his 
army : 

" Soldiers I You are one of the wings of tlie army of Eng- 
land : you have inade war on mountains, on plains, and in 
sieges : it remains for you to make war by sea. The Roman, 
legions, which you have sometimes imitated, but not yet 
equalled, combated Carthage, by turns, on this same sea, and 
on the plains of Zama. Victory never forsook them, be- 
cause they were always brave, patient under fatigue, obedient 
to their leaders, and united among themselves. 

" Soldiers t vhe eyes of Europe are upon you : you have great 
destinies to fulfil, biittles to fight, dangers and fatigues to over- 
come : you must do even more than you have yet done, and 
endure more than you have yet endured, for the prosperity of 
your native country, the happiness of the human race, and 
your own glory. Soldiers, sailors, artilleiy, infantry and ca- 
valry, be all united, be one : remember, that in the day of 
battle you will have need of each other. Sailors, you 
have been hitherto neglected ; now the greatest solicitude of 
the republick is for you : you will be worthy of the army of 
vhich you form a part. The genius of liberty, which from 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 139 

' ' ' . ... ., LL 

her birlh has rendered the republick the arbitrator of Europe, 
wills that she shall be the same in the most distant seas and 
nations." 

" The military force, when the several de- 
tachments were united, consisted of nearly 
40,000 men ; and the list of artists, men 
of letters, and those of science, contains 
the following numbers and departments : in 
geometry eight, in astronomy four, in gene- 
ral mechanics fourteen, in watch-making two, 
in chemistry eight, in mineralogy five, in bo- 
tany three, in zoology five, in surgery six, 
in pharmacy three, in antiquities two, in ar- 
chitecture four, in drawing five, in engineer- 
ing nineteen, in geography eighteen, in print- 
ing fifteen. In conformity with the various 
objects attended to in this assemblage of per- 
sons, the implements of war were accompa- 
nied by those of science." 

The wind continued unfavourable until Flo- 
real 30th, May nineteenth, when the signal 
gun was fired, and Bonaparte on board L 'Ori- 
ent, left the port the following day.. ..the 
whole armament consisted of fifteen ships of 
war and upwards of 200 transports. On the 
SdTriiirial, twenty-second, the fleet were 
off St. Florenzo, and passing by Cape 
Corso and Capraya, laid to on the 6th, twen- 
ty-fifth, for the divisions from Ajaccio and 
Civita Vecchia ; the former joined them, but 
the latter which had steered direct for Malta, 
and had waited for the arrival of the com- 



140 THE HISTORY OF 

mancler, did not unite with them until they 
reached that island. 

The armament appeared off Malta on the 
20th Prairial, June eighth, and on the follow- 
ing evening, Bonaparte sent one of his aides- 
de-camp asiiore to request permission of the 
Grand Master for the armament to fill their 
water casks. The answer given was, that 
two vessels only should take in water at the 
same time, which would have employed nine 
months, for the vessels hadmcreased to more 
than 500 sail : upon which Bonaparte direct- 
ed the trooDS to land, and after a slieht resist- 
ance the island was subdued. The inhabi- 
tants resorted to Valetta, whose castle is 
nearly impregnable, if defended with skill 
and courage ; but between the military efforts 
which Bona|5arte had determined to make, and 
the negociations which he attempted, the for- 
tress capitulated the same evening: and on 
the 24th, twelfth, the tri-coloured flag was, 
raised on the walls of the town. The con- 
sul-general of the Batavian republic had writ- 
ten to Bonaparte previous to the signing of 
the convention between them : 

" His most eminent highness and his comicil, having sent 
for me, have commissioned me to observe to yon, citizen 
general, that when they denied you entrance into the ports, 
and begged to have your answer, they pretended to no more than 
a perception of the departure which you required of them from 
the laws imposed by their neutraUty. The conduct of the or- 
der towards the French republick, and the protection which, as. 
well as its people, from whom it will always be inseparable, it 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 141 



has always received from the French nation, cause it to consi- 
der a rupture as a misfortune to which it wishes to put an end. 
His most eminent highness, therefore, and his council, ask for 
a suspension of hostilities, and for information concerning 
your intentions, which will doubtlessly be conformable with the 
generosity of the French nation, and the known sentiments 
of the celebrated general by whom it is represented." 

By the capture of Malta, the French pro- 
cured two ships of war, one frigate, four gal- 
lies, 1,200 pieces of cannon, l,500,000lbs. 
of powder, 40,000 muskets and other arti- 
cles. The garrison which Bonaparte left 
consisted of 4,000 men under general Vau- 
bois. A considerable number of Turks and 
others were received on board, and helped to 
fill up the vacancy occasioned by the garrison 
which was stationed at Malta. 

On the 29th, seventeenth, the squadron 
began to leave the port, the following eve- 
ning the whole were under weigh, and on 
the 1st of Messidor, nineteenth, L'Orient 
left the harbour. The armament passed the 
isle of Candia on the 6th, twenty-fourth, and 
on the 12th, thirtieth, arrived before Alexan- 
dria. They passed off the coast within six 
leagues of Nelson's fleet, which had arrived at 
Alexandria three days before, and had steer- 
ed to the north-east in search of them. 

Somq disturbances having been excited at 
Malta by the soldiery, through misconduct of 
a nature v/hich might be extensively inju- 
rious in Egypt, Bonaparte formed a code of 
regulations enforcing the strictest discipline 



142 THE HISTORY OF 

under heavy penalties, and caused them to 
be read on board each ship. Among other 
articles, it was ordered that whoever should 
violate the women, or enter the houses of the 
Mohammedans, or the Mosques, should be 
shot ; and ilone of these regulations, the spi- 
rit of which is so necessary for the welfare of 
an army, were transgressed. In a procla- 
mation, published two days subsequently to 
the departure from Malta, after declaring the 
object of the expedition, which was to pro- 
mote the general interests of civilization and 
commerce, and humble the naval power of 
England, and confidently promising, after se- 
veral fatiguing marches, and some hostile 
encounters, complete success, Bonaparte told 
them they vv^ere going to live with Mohamme- 
dans, the first article of whose religious creed 
was, that there is no God but God, mid Mo- 
hammed is his prophet. " Do not contradict 
tiiem," said he. " Conduct yourselves to- 
wards them as you have done towards the 
Jews and the Italians. Show respect to their 
Muftis and Imans, and the ceremonies pre- 
scribed by the Koran ; as you have shown to 
the Rabbis and the Bisiiops. Cherish the 
same spirit of toleration for the Mosques that 
you have entertained for the religion of Mo- 
ses and of Jesus Christ : the Roman legions 
protected all religions. You will find here 
usages different from those of Europe. You 
will reconcile yourselves to them by custom. 
The people of the land into which w^e are 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. i*g 

about to enter, differ from us in their mode 
of treatment of women ; but, in every coun- 
try, he who offers violence to the women is a 
monster." Bonaparte proceeded next to warn 
them against giving way to a spirit of plun- 
der : " Plunder, which enriches only a very 
few, reflects dishonour on the whole ; it 
dries up our resources, and converts into 
enemies those whom it is our interest to have 
for friends." In conclusion, he reminded 
them that the city they were going to attack 
was built by Alexander, and that grand re- 
collections, fitted to excite the emulation of 
Frenchmen, would be recalled to their minds 
at every step. At the same time, orders were 
issued that every individua.1 of the arnly who 
should pillage or steal, should be shot ; that 
the punishment of death should also be in- 
flicted on every individual of the army who 
should impose contributions on the towns, 
villages, or individuals, or should commit 
extortions of any kind ; and that, when any 
individuals of a division should have commit- 
ed any disorders in a country, the whole divi- 
sion, if the offender should not be discovered^ 
should be responsible and pay the sum ne- 
cessary to indemnify the inhabitants for the 
loss sustained. 

Bonaparte, before he landed, issued two 
addresses : 

BONAPARTE TO THE PACHA OF EGYPT. 

" On board U Orient., 12 Messidur^ June thirtieth. 
" The executive directory of the French repubUck have fre- 
quently applied to the Sublime Porte, to demand the punish- 



144, THE HISTORY OF 

ment of the beys of Egypt, who have oppressed with their vex- 
ations the merchants of France. 

" But the Sublime Porte declared, that the beys, an ava- 
ricious and fickle race, refused to listen to the principles of 
justice, and not only that the Porte did not authoiize these in- 
sults, but withdrew their pi'otection from the persons by whom 
they were committed. 

" The French republlck has resolved to send a powerful ar- 
my, to put an end to the exactions of the beys of Egypt, in 
the same manner as it has been several times compelled, during 
the present century, to take these measures against the beys 
of Tunis and Algiers. You, who ought to be the master of 
the beys, and yet are kept at Cairo, without power or authori- 
ty, cannot but regai'd my arrival with pleasure. You are 
doubtless already apprised that I come not to attem.pt an y 
thing against the Alcoran or the Sultan. You know that the 
French nation is the only ally whom the Sultan has in Eu- 
rope. Come then and meet me and curse with me the impi- 
ous race of the beys. 

« BONAPARTE." 

BONAPARTE, COMMANDER IN CHIEF, TO THE 
COMMANDER OF THE CARAVAN. 

« On board U Orient^ 13 Messidor, July first. 
" The beys have oppressed our merchants with vexation ; 
I am come to demand reparation. To-morrow I shall be in 
Alexandria. You ought to feel no uneasiness ; you belong to 
our grand friend the Sultan ; conduct yourself accordingly. 
But if you commit the least hostility against the French army, 
I shall treat you as an enemy, and for this you must be ac- 
countable, as it is far from my heart, and from my intentions. 

» BONAPARTE." 

A heavy sea opposed the landing, the wind 
was very unfavourable, the transports were 
in much confusion, and an attack by Nelson 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. U5 



was immediately expected. " It fell to my lot . 
(says Denon) to accompany the French consul 
onboard the flag ship. We were to communi- 
cate to the general whatever might interest 
him most powerfully under such critical cir- 
cumstances. The English had been seen, 
and they might come up with us every mo- 
ment. It blew a fresh gale ; and the convoy 
was blended with the fleet in such confusion, 
that the most terrible defeat would have ensu- 
ed had the enemy appeared. I watched the 
general's countenance, which did not change 
in the slightest degree. He made me repeat 
the statement which he had just heard, and 
after a silence of a few minutes, commanded 
the troops to be landed." 

Although late in the evening, Bonaparte 
ordered an immediate debarkation.. ..the gene- 
rals Menou and Kleber, with their divisions, 
landed with the loss of a few lives, and the com- 
mander joined them at 1 1 o'clock. The next 
morning very early, the French carried a 
small fort; and the Mamelucs and Arabs 
began to skirmish with the French who had 
landed. 

On the 14th, July second, the French 
reached Alexandria ; under its walls thejr^ 
met with much resistance, but their usual 
impetuosity surmounted all opposition : they 
scaled the walls, and though the inhabitants 
had fortified the houses, before the day was 
ended the two castles surrendered, and the 

T 



US THE HISTORY OF 

French took possession of the city, forts and 
harbours. During the assault general Kle- 
ber, while pointing out to the grenadiers where 
they ought to scale, was struck with a ball on 
the forehead ; he fell, but the wound was 
not mortal : Bonaparte gave hirii the com- 
mand of the town. 

In the morning of the 15th, third, Bonaparte 
surrounded by the grandees of the city, and 
by the members of the old government, re- 
ceived the oath of fidelity. He addressed him- 
self in the following terms to the sheik Kcraim : 

" I Ivdve taken you irt arms, and I might treat you as a pri- 
soner ; hS you have, however, behaved with courage, and as 
I think bravery inseparable from honour. I ;^:ive you back 
yo.ur arms, and I think that you will be as faithful to the re- 
publick as you have been to a bad government " 

In the evening Bonaparte published this 
proclamation:.... 

" Too long have the Beys who govern Egypt insulted the 
French nation, and loaded her merchants with vexations : the 
hour of their chastiseHnent is arrived. Too long has this horde 
of slaves, purchased from Caucasus and Georgia, tyrannized 
over the fairest part of the world ; but God, upon whom every- 
thing depends, has ordered their empire to end. People of 
Egypt I You will be told that I come to destroy your religion ; 
believe it not : reply that I come to restore youf rights, to 
punish the usui'pers, and that I venerate, more than the Ma- 
Kielucs, God, his prophet, and the Koran. Tell these that 
all men are equal before God : wisdom, talents, virtues, 
make all the difference between them. Now, what wisdom, 
what talents, what virtues, distinguish the Mamelucs, that 
they exclusively should possess all that is lovely and sweet 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 147 



In life ? Is there a bTtautitul estaie ? Ic bclonii;b lo the Manie- 
lucs. Is there a beavitiful slave, a beautiful horse, a b-auti- 
ful house? they beif>n.L;; to the Marncliics. If Ej,ypt be their 
tarm, let them show the lease which God has grunted. But 
"God is just ivnd bountiful to all mankind; all the Ei^ypticins 
are culled to fill all posts ; let the most wise, the most inform- 
ed, tl)e most virtuous govern, and the people ^viil be happy. 
There were formerly amon:< you great cities, great canals, 
great commerce : by what has all been destroyed, if not by 
the avarice, the injustice, and the tyranny of the Mamelucs ? 
■Cadis, Sheiks, Imans, Tshorbadjles, tell the people that we 
■are the friends of true Moslems. Is it not we vvho have de- 
stroyed the Pope, who said that war must be made on Moslems ? 
Is it not we who have destroyed the knights of Malta, be- 
cause the m:tdmen believed that God willed them to make war 
on Moslems ? Is it not v/e who have long been the friendstif 
the Grand Seignior, whose designs may God accomplish ! and 
the enemies of his enemies ? Are not the Mamelucs, on the 
other hand, in continual rebellion against the Grand Seignior, 
whom they still refuse to acknowledge ? They execute their 
own schemes only. Thrice happy thoue who are for us, they 
shall prosper in their I'ank and fortune. Happy those vvho are 
neuter ! They will have time to become acquainted with us, 
and they v/ill come to our side. Bat wretched, thrice wretch- 
ed those who shall arm for the Mamelucs, and fight against 
us ! There shall be no hope for these ; they shall perish 1" 

An alliance was immediately formed be- 
tween the Mufti, the principal Sheiks of 
Alexandria and Bonaparte. Upon which 
the former issued the following :.... 

DECL\RATION 
Of the Mufti^ and prindfial Sheiks of 'he city of Alexandria, in 
the name of the Inhabitants. > 

" Glory to God, to whom all glory is due, and peace to the 



148 THE HISTORY OF 



holy prophet Mohamed, his family, and the companions of 
his divine mission. 

" The followini^ agreement has been concluded between us, 
the chief men of the city of Alexandria, whose names are 
hereunto subjoined, and the general in chief of the French 
army encamped in this city. 

" The undersigned chiefs shall continue to observe the law 
and sacred institutions. They shall determine all differences 
according to the purest justice, and carefully keep at a distance 
from the crooked path of iniquity. The cadi, to whose care 
the tribunal of justice is to be confided, shall be a man of the 
purest morals and the most irreproachable conduct ; but he 
shall not pronounce any sentence without first consulting the 
chiefs of the law, and his final judgment shall be regulated by 
their decision. The subscribing sheiks shall study the means 
of making righteousness flourish, and direct all their efforts to 
that object, as if animated with the same spirit. They shall 
take no resolution but what is adopted with one accord. They 
shall zealously labour for the good of the country, the happi- 
ness of the people, and the destruction of the children of vice 
and iniquity. They further promise never to betray, or attempt 
to ensnare the French ariny, to act contrary to its interests, or 
to enter into any conspiracy which may be formed against it. 

" To all these promises they have bound themselves by the 
most solemn oath, which they renew by this act in the sin- 
cerest and most religious manner. 

" The general in chief of the French army promises, on his 
part, that no one of the soldiers shall molest the inhabitants of 
Alexandria, by vexatious proceedings, rapine, or menaces ; 
and those who shall commit such excesses shall be punished 
with the utmost rigour. 

" The general in chief has also most solemnly promised* 
that he will never attempt to compel any of the inhabit 
tants to change their religion, or to make an innovation ia 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 14.9 

theh' religious usages ; but, on the contrary, assures them, 
that his wish is, that they shall continue to profess their reli- 
gion, and he will continue to maintain their ti-anquillity and 
property by all the means which are in his power, as long as 
they shall abstain from any attempt against his person, or the 
army which he commands. 

" The present convention was prepared and signed on the 
morning of Wednesday, the 20th of the moon Muharem, 
1 2 1 3th year of the Hegira, corresponding to the 1 7th Messi- 
dor, July fifth, 6th year of the French republic, one and indi- 
visible. 

" The floor Suleiman, mufti of Maliki. 

" The poor Ibrahim el Bourgi, chief of the sect Hamate, 

" The floor Muhamed el Messira. 

« The poor Ahmed, life'* 

The greater part of the army merely passed 
through Alexandria: except the garrison which 
was placed in the city and the troops under Me- 
nou, who had marched to subdue Rashid, the 
whole army with their artillery and some 
horse, begun its march for Cairo, on the 18th 
and 19th Messidor, July sixth and seventh. 
On the morning of the third day after their de- 
parture, they discovered the Nile at Rahma- 
nieh, into which they immediately plunged : 
here they rested two days, and general Me- 
nou, who had met with no resistance, joined 
the army. 

General Dessaix arrived at Rahmanieh with 
his division soon after, and whilst they 
were bathing, was attacked by 6,000 Mame- 
lues, but a brisk cannonading from the French 
induced them to retire. Having passed Min- 



150 THE HISTORY OF 

iet Salameh, the French army perceived 
4,000 Mamelucs Dosted to oppose their pro- 
gress. In the village of Jibbrish, they had 
placed several pieces of cannon, and on the 
Nile were supported by some armed vessels : 
two .actions were now fought, one. on the ri- 
ver, and the other on land. 

The French after an obstinate con£ict, re- 
gained the vessels which they had lost upon 
the water, burnt the Mameluc admira^, and dis- 
persed the whole. Bonaparte had formed his 
army into five divisions, and having planted 
his artillery at the angles, he permitted the 
Mamelucs, who charged with extreme fary, 
to approach within the reach of grape shot, 
when the cannon were discharged, which ob- 
liged them to retreat : the village was carried 
by assault ; and the Mamelucs lied with the 
loss of 600 men. 

Bonaparte continued his march without anjr 
opposition, except that which v/as made by the 
Arabs, v/ho assa,iled all the small parties of 
the French whom they could find. On 
the evening of the 2d of Thermidor, July 
twentieth, they first saw the pyramids; and 
in the evening were but six leagues distant 
from Cairo : here Bonaparte learnt that 
twenty-three Beys, with all their troops, were 
intrenched at Embabeh, and defended by 
sixty pieces of cannon. Their force amount- 
ed to 6,000 Mamelucs, besides Arabs and 
peasants. As soon as this corps was disco- 
vered, the army formed as on the former oc-- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. I5i 



casion ; and when Bonaparte had given his 
final orders, he said to the soldiers, pointing 
to the pyramids : *•' Rush on, and recollect 
that from the summit of those monuments 
forty centuries watch over us." Dessaix 
proceeded to the other side of the village, 
Regnier followed on the left, and Dugua, Vial 
and Bon, apDroached the Nile. The Mame- 
lues rushed upon the two first divisions, but 
in vain. ...the incessant discharge of musketry 
and grape shot, drove them back in disorder. 
The cavalry trying to force the French 
battalions, v/ere exposed to two fires; and 
Bonaparte immediately ordered the intrench- 
ments to be assailed, which were forced, and 
the army totally routed. The Ma.melucs 
were pursued to Gizeh : their whole loss 
amounted to 2,000 men, 40 pieces of cannon, 
400 camels, much baggage and provi- 
sions, many horses, and a large quantity of 
gold. 

In the morning Bonaparte published these 
proclamations :.... 

BONAPARTE, COMMANDER IN CHIEF, TO THE 
SHEIKS AND NOTABLES OF CAIRO. 

" Head-quarters at Gizeh, 4th Thermidor, July 
twenty-second. 
" You will see^y the annexed proclamation, by what senti- 
ments 1 am animated. Yesterday the Mamelucs were for the 
most part, killed or taken prisoners, and I am now in pursuit 
of the few who remain. Send hither the boats which are on 
your banks of the river, and send also a deputation to make 
known to me your submission. Cause bread, barley, meat 



155 THE HISTORY OF 



and straw, to be provided for my army, and be perfectly easy, 
for no one has a greater desire than I to contribute to your 
happiness. i 

" BONAPARTE." 

BONAPARTE, COMMANDER IN CHIEF, TO THE 
PEOPLE OF CAIRO. 

" Hesid-quarters at Gizeh, Mh Thermidor^ July 
tiuenty 'Second. 

" People of Cairo, I am satisfied with your conduct. You 
have done right not to take any part against me ; I am come 
to destroy the race of the Mamelucs, and to protect the trade 
and the natives of the country. Let all those who are under 
any fear be composed ; and let those who have quitted their 
houses return to them — let prayers be offered up to day as usu* 
al, for I wish that they may be always continued. Entertain 
no apprehensions for your families, your houses, your proper- 
ty, and, above all, for the religion of your Prophet, whom I 
honour and love. 

" As it is absolutely necessary that some persons should be 
immediately charged with the administration of the police, in 
order that tranquillity may not be interrupted, there shall be a 
divan composed of several persons, who shall assemble at the 
mosque of Ver ; and there shall always be two with the com- 
mandant of the place, and four shall be occupied in maintain- 
ing publick tranquilUty, and in watching over the city. 

» BONAPARTE." 

The principal person of Cairo, attended by 
the Kia, or Lieutenant of the Pacha, instan- 
taneously offered Bonaparte possession of the 
city. The Pacha had left it in the night with 
Ibrahim Bey. The deputation returned to 
Cairo with a detachment from the French ar- 
my, and Bonaparte removed his head-quarters 
thither on the 5th, twenty-third. 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 



The Mamelucs after the battle at the Py- 
ramids, were divided into two bodies ; Murad 
Bey vv^ith one part retreated into Upper Egypt, 
whilst the other under Ibrahim Bey, retired 
towards Suez and Syria. General Leclerc 
was dispatched in pursuit of the latter, and 
on the 19th Thermidor, August sixth, Bo- 
naparte with a body of troops joined his divi- 
sion, and a most obstinate skirmish ensued 
at Salahieh, between the rear guard of Ibra- 
him's army, and the advanced guard of the 
French, at the end of which the latter found 
themselves in possession of two pieces of can- 
non and fifty camels : near Belbeys the French 
army rescued a part of the holy caravan of 
Mecca, from the Arabs. Having left gene- 
ral Cafarelli to fortify Salahieh and Belbeys, 
Bonaparte returned to Cairo. 

On the 25th Thermidor, August twelfth, 
Bonaparte accompanied by several of his 
staff, and some members of the national insti- 
tute, after visiting the five inferior pyramids, 
contemplated with much attention that of 
Cheops, into which he was conducted by se- 
veral muftis and imans. He penetrated into 
its interior, where he found a passage a hun- 
dred feet long and three feet broad, which 
introduced him to the tomb of Pharaoh, who 
erected the monument. A second passage, 
much injured, and leading towards the sum- 
mit of the pyramid, carried him successive- 
ly over two platforms, and thence to a gallery* 

U 



154 THE HISTORY OF 

This last apartment is a flattened vault. 
Bonaparte there seated himself with his at- 
tendants, upon a chest of granite, ei<;^ht feet 
long and four deep, and requesting the muf- 
tis and imans, Suleiman, Ibrahim and Mu- 
hamed, to be also seated, he commenced this 
conversation : 

Banuparte. — God is great, and his works are marvellous. But 
we haA-e here a grand production of the hand of man. What 
was the object of the individual who caused this pyramid to be 
constructed ? 

Suleiman. — He was a powerful king of Egypt, v/liose name 
it is said was Cheops. He wished to prevent the sacrilegious 
from troubling the re{)ose of his ashes. 

Bonaparte. — The great Cyrus commanded., that when dead 
his body should be left in the open air, that it might return 
to the elements. Dost thou not think that he did better ? 
What is your opinion ? 

Suleiman. — Inclining himself. Glory to God, to whom all 
glory is due ! 

Bonaparte. — Honour to Allah '. Who was the calif that caus- 
ed this pyramid to be opened, and thus troubled the ashes 
of the dead ? 

Mnhamed. — It is believed by some that it was Mahmoud, 
tiie commander of the faithful, who reigTied several centuries 
ago, at Bagdad; others say that it was the renowned Haroun 
Raschid....Peace to his manes '.....who expected to find trea- 
sures here : but when by his command entrance was made 
into this apartment, tradition says that hie found mummies 
only, and this inscription in letters of gold on the wall : The 
impious sJiail commit inigidty noitliout recomfiense^ but not voithout 
remorse. 

Bonaparte. -^The. bread stolen by the wielded fills his mouth 
irith sand. 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 155 

, ,' ■ ., , ■ ' , I. ' 

Muhamed, inclining himself. Thine are the words of wisr 
dom. 

Bonaparte. — Glory to Allah ! There is no other God but 
God ; Mohammed is his prophet, and I am his friend. 

Suleiman. — The salutation of peace to the envoy of God 1 
Salutation to thee also, invihciWe warrior, favourite of Moham- 
med ! 

Bonaparte, — Mufti, I thank thee. The divine koran is the 
delight of my soul, and the object of my contemplation. I love 
the prophet, and I hope, ere long, to see and konour his tomb 
in the holy city. But my mission is first to exterminate the 
Mamelucs. 

Ibrahim. — May the angels of victory sweep the dust from 
thy path, and cover thee with their wings. The Mameluc has 
merited death. 

Bonaparte. — He has been smitten and delivered to the 
black angles, Moukir and Quakir, God, on whom all things 
depend, has ordained, that his dominion shall be destroyed. 

Suleiman. — He has extended the hand of rapine over the 
land, the harvests, and the horses of Egypt. 

Bonaparte. — And over the most beautiful slaves, thrice holy 
mufti. Allah has withered his hand. If Egypt be his porti- 
tion, let him show me the lease which God has given him of 
it : but God is just and merciful to the people. 

Ibrahim. O most valiant among the children of Issa ! Al- 
lah has caused thee to follow the exterminating angel, to deli- 
ver his land of Egypt. 

Bonaparte. — This land was a prey to twenty -four oppressors, 
rebels against the Grand Sultan, our ally. ...Whom God turn 
to his glory I and to ten thousand slaves from Circassia and 
Georgia. Adriel, the angel of death, has breathed upon 
them ; we are come, and they have disappeared. 

Muhamed. — Noble successor of Scander, honour to thy in- 



156 THE HISTORY OF 

■ ■■ ' ^'^cr 

vincible arms, and to the unexpected thunder which issvies 
from the middle of thy warriors on horse. 

Bonaparte. — Dost thou believe that thunder to be a work 
of the children of men ? Dost thou believe so ? Allah has plac- 
ed it in my hands by his messenger the genius of war. 

Ibrahim. — We perceive in thy works the great Allah who 
has sent thee. Couldst thou have conquered if Allah had not 
permitted ? The Delta, and all the neighbouring countries, 
resound with thy miracles. 

Bonaparte. — A celestial car will ascend by my command to 
the abode of the clouds ; and the lightning will descend to the 
earth, along a metallic wire, the moment I shall bid it. 

Suleiman.— ^ And the great serpent, which sprung from the 
base of the pillar of Pompey, on the day of thy triumphant 
entry into Scanderich, and which remained withered at the 
socket of the pillar ; was not that also a prodigy effected by 
thy hand ? 

Bonaparte. — Lights of the age, you are destined to see yet 
greater wonders, for the days of regeneration are come. 

Ibrahim. — May the divine unity regard thee with an eye of 
predilection, adorer of Issa, and render thee the support of the 
children of the prophet. 

Bonaparte, — Has not Mohammed said, Every man who 
adores God, and performs good works, whatever may be his 
religion, shall be saved ? 

Suleiman., — Muhamed, IbraJum together, inclining them- 
selves. He has said so. 

Bonaparte. — And if, by an order from on high, I have mo- 
derated the pride of the vicar of Issa, by diminishing his ter- 
restrial possessions, in order to amass for him celestial trea- 
sures, was it not rendering glory to God, whose mercy is in- 
finite ? 

Muhamed.^ nvith an air of hesitation. The mufti of Rome 
was rich and powerful ; we are poor muftis. 

Bonaparte. -^1 know that you are poor : be without apprc- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 15/ 

hension ; for you have been weighed in the balance of Balthazar, 
and you have been found light. Does this pyi^amid, then, 
really contain no treasure of which you know ? 

Suleiman. — His hands on his breast. None, my lord, we 
swear by the holy city of Mecca. 

Bonaparte. — Unhappy, thrice unhappy those wjio seek for 
perishable riches, and covet gold and silver, which are like 
unto dust ! 

Suleiman. — Thou hast spared the vicar of Issa, and hast 
treated him with clemency and goodness. 

Bonafiarte. — He is an old man whom I honour.. ..May God 
accomplish his wishes, when they shall be regulated by reason 
and truth '.....but he is to blame in condemning to eternal fire 
all the moslems :.... Allah defend us from intolerance 1 

Ibrahim. — Glory to Allah, and to his prophet, who has sent 
thee into the midst of us to rekindle the faith of the weak, and 
to open to the faithful the gates of the seventh heaven I 

Bonaparte. — You have spoken my wishes, most zealous 
muftis: be faithful to Allah, the sovereign ruler of the seven 
marvellous heavens ; and to Mohammed his vizier, who traver- 
sed all the celestial mansions in a single night. Be the friends 
of the Francs ; and Allah, Mohammed, and the Francs, will re- 
compense you. 

Ibrahim. — May the prophet himself cause thee to sit at his 
left hand on the day of resurrection, after the third sound of 
the trumpet ! 

Bonaparte. — He that hath ears to hear, let bim hear. The 
hour of political resurrection hss arrived for all who groan un- 
der oppression. Muftis, imans, mullahs, dervises, and kal- 
enders, instruct the people of Egypt ; encourage them to join 
in our labours to complete the destruction of the beys and the 
Mamelucs. Favour the commerce of the Francs in your 
country, and their endeavours to arrive at the ancient land of 
Brama. Let them have store-houses in your ports, and drive 
ar from you the islanders of Albion, accursed among the chil- 



158 , THE HISTORY OF 

dren of Issa. Such is the will of Mohammed. The treasures, 
industry, and friendship of the Francs shall be your lot, till 
you ascend to the seventh heaven, and are seated by the side 
of the black-eyed houris, who are endowed with perpetual 
youth and virginity, and repose under the shade of Laba, whose 
branches present of themselves to true moslems whatever 
their hearts may desire. 

Suleiman^ inclining himself. Thou hast spoken like the 
most learned of the mullahs. We place faith in thy words, 
we will serve thy cause, and God hears us. 

Bonaparte. — God is great, and his works are marvellous. 
The salutation of peace be upon you, thrice holy muftis ! 

During these events the famous naval bat- 
tle of the Nile had destroyed the French 
fleet, and left Bonaparte without any probabi- 
lity of receiving aid from Europe. 

The general requested admiral Brueys, 
when he commenced his march for Cairo, to 
enter the port of Alexandria immediate- 
ly, or to land ail the artillery and army 
equipage, andto sail for Corfu : in the full expec- 
tation of his having complied with this arrange- 
ment, Bonaparte was inexpressibly alarmed 
when he found that he vv^as at Aboukir, forti- 
fying himself with a design to resist any at- 
tack which the English fleet might make. 
On the 14th Thermidor, August first, admi- 
ral Nelson entered the bay of Aboukir.. ..dou- 
bled the French line about half past six 
o'clock.... in the evening, a little after nine, 
the Orient began to burn and at 10 blew up. 
The French admiral had been wounded at 
8 and killed at 9. ...which increased the 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 159 

confusion. Another French ship was de- 
stroyed in the same manner. In the morn- 
ing the tv/o fleets ceased the contest : the 
whole of the French fleet except two ships of 
the Une and two frigates, which escaped, 
were either destroyed or rendered nearly use- 
less. 

" It appears to me," said Bonaparte in his letter to the di- 
rectory, " that admiral Brueys was unwilUng to retire to Cor- 
fu before he was absolutely certain that he could not enter the 
port of Alexandria, and before the army, of which he had 
been without news, was secure from all necessity of retreat ; 
but if in this fatal event he had his faults, he has expiated 
them by a glorious death. 

" The destieies have wished in this case, as in many others, 
to prove, that if they have given us a preponderance on the 
continent, they have granted to our rivals tlie empire of the 
seas. Great, however, as this reverse may be, it cannot be 
ascribed to the inconstancy of fortune.... she has hitherto ne- 
ver abandoned us..., so far from it, that sire has served us in 
the whole of this expedition, beyond what she has ever done 
before. 

« When I arrived before Alexandria, and leamt that 
the English had passed there some days before in supe- 
rior forc€, notwithstanding the frightful tempest which pre- 
vailed, at the risk of shipwreck I threw myself ashore. I 
recollect that at tlie moment when the preparations were mak- 
ing for disembarkation, a signal was given at a distance to 
tlie windward, of a ship of war. It was -La Justice returning 
from Malta. I exclaimed : Fortune.^ wilt thou abandon me ? I 
<tsk of thee Jive days onhj. I marched during the whole night ; 
1 attacked Alexandria at day-break with three thousand wea- 
ried soldiers, without cannon, and almost without ammuni- 
tion, and in five days I was master of Rosetta and Daman- 



160 THE HISTORY OF 



hour, that is, already established in Egypt. In these five 
days the squadron ought to have been secure from the Eng- 
lish, whatever their number ; instead of this it remained ex- 
posed during the remainder of Messidor, end of June and be- 
ginning of July. It received from Rosetta, eai'ly in Thermi- 
dor, July ; a supply of rice for two months. The English showed 
themselves in superior numbers during ten days in these lati- 
tudes. On the 11th Thermidor, July twenty-ninth, our squa- 
dron learned the news of the army being in complete posses- 
sion of Egypt, and of its entrance into Cairo ; and it was not 
until Fortune saw that the continuance of her favours were 
useless, that she abandoned our fleet to its destiny." 

The pacha of Egypt having fled into Sy- 
ria, the following note was sent to him : 

BONAPARTE, COMMANDER IN CHIEF, TO THE 
PACHA OF CAIRO. 

" Head-quarters at Cairo, 2d Fructidor, AugvM 
nineteenth, 
" The intention of the French republick in taking possession 
of Egypt, is to drive out the Mamelucs, who were both x-ebels 
to the Porte, and declared enemies to the French government. 
At present, when master of it by the signal victory which its 
army has gained, its intention is to preserve to the Pacha of 
the Grand Seignior his revenues and appointment. I beg then 
you will assure the Porte, that it will suffer no kind of loss, 
and I will take care it shall continue to receive the tribute 
which has been heretofore paid to it. 

« BONAPARTE." 
Bonaparte immediately employed himself 
in organizing the government of Egypt : and 
having resolved to carry the war into Syria 
in person, he dispatched Dessaix in pursuit 
of Murad Bey, who had fled into Upper 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 161 

Egypt ; that general left Cairo on the 9th 
Fructidor, August twenty-sixth, accompani- 
ed by a flotilla as a convoy. A few slight 
skirmishes with wandering parties of the 
Arabs, were the only military operations in 
which the main body of the army under Bo- 
naparte were engaged until he commenced 
his march towards Syria. 

The system of government which this new 
conquest required was altogether different 
from that which Bonaparte had established in 
Italy ; and the protection which his troops 
demanded was also in every respect dissimi- 
lar. In Italy his scientifick knowledge could 
convert every river, mountain or forest into a 
strong hold, but in Egypt none of these na- 
tural and easily fortified positions were to be 
found. He directed that the old works at 
Cairo should be repaired, new forts con- 
structed, and hence the city became the cen- 
tre of all their military movements : this ena- 
bled him eff'ectually ^to obstruct the predatory 
efforts and incursions of the desert tribes, 
and afforded him a secure and tenable situa- 
tion in case the inhabitants should attempt 
an insurrection. Alexandria was defended, 
by strong batteries, that if attacked by sea it 
might resist an invader, whilst Belbeys 
and Salahieh could make a respectable de- 
fence. Besides these measures which Bona- 
parte had adopted to provide for the ^9-iety of 

■.X 



THE HISTORY OF 



the French army, he executed a very impor- 
tant plan to aid the movements of his troops, 
and to assist them when in action in the vici- 
nity of the Nile. A formidable flotilla, car- 
rying many pieces of artillery, and navigated 
by Europeans, was established upon that ri- 
ver ; and all the army supplies of every kind, 
including the ammunition and implements ojf 
death, were conveyed by the vessels which 
were stationed for this purpose. 

The army beneath his immediate cogni- 
zance was governed by a discipline the most 
severe, and the people of Cairo certainly re- 
spected the character of the general. The 
markets were abundantly supplied, and to 
divert the minds of his soldiers, all kinds of 
amusements were authorised. 

Bonaparte in all his publick life has prov- 
ed himself to be the friend of science, and a 
iover of those improvements which expand 
the mind and dignify the intellect of man ; 
and to his endeavours and example must be 
attributed all the increase of knowledge 
which we have derived from his expedition. 
The ardovir with which the literati who ac- 
companied him pursued their investigations 
in every department of natural philosophy, 
was equally honourable to him and to them. 

He began by establishing a publick library ; 
a chemical laboratory followed ; a new liquor 
vmknown to the Egyptians was distilled for 
the troops, and salt-petre refined by a novel 
process. Hydraulick machines for common 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 16^ 

and useful purposes were formed; wind-mills, 
never before seen in Egypt raised, and bread 
made for the army. 

The institute of Cairo soon after met ; this 
body included all the learned men, and ma- 
ny of the general officers, whose united ef- 
forts were directed to procure information 
concerning the natural productions, history 
and antiquities of a country which has never 
ceased to interest the theologian, the antiqua- 
rian and the philosopher. Evety exertion 
was used by them, and all their leisure hours 
employed in examining the diversified curio- 
sities of this ancient nation. Bonaparte him- 
self, although distracted by the variety of his 
cares, associated with them in this honoura- 
ble labour. Besides visiting the pyramids, he 
surveyed the canal which formerly led from 
the Nile to Alexandria, and by almost incre- 
dible efforts restored the internal communica- 
tion between that city and Rosetta, which 
the blockade of the British had entirely de- 
stroyed, except by land. He also assisted 
in determining the question, respecting the 
canal between Suez and the Mediterranean, 
discovered its entrance, and traced its course 
to the length of four leagues. A trading" 
company was settled ; the merchants were en- 
couraged ; the road to Mecca was protected, 
and the taxes were considerably diminished. 

The Mohammedans were treated with 
liiuch kindness ; the situation of the Copts 
and Greeks was meliorated ; schools for th« 



16* THE HISTORY OF 



instruction of youth in French, Arabic, geo- 
graphy and the mathematics, were estabUsh- 
ed ; marriages between the army and the 
natives countenanced; children of the same 
parents were admitted to an equal right of 
inheritance ; the condition of the women 
amended ; strict justice patronized ; many 
presents were made to the Turks, Greeks 
and Arabs; shews, festivities and games in 
which his army and the natives mixed were 
sanctioned ; a number of prsedial slaves were 
stimulated to industry, by being presented 
with lands to cultivate on their own account 

to which Bonaparte added a question for 

the discussion of the institute : " By what 
instruments and airs may the minds of the 
Egyptians be most readily and effectually im- 
pressed through the powers of musick;" and 
introduced numberless other regulations very 
similar to the customs of the European coun- 
tries. The army was recruited by a mix- 
ture of every nation, who allured by the 
prospect of participating in the spoils of the 
French soldiers, attached themselves to Bo- 
naparte. 

The birth day of Mohammed is an anniver- 
sary among all his disciples. The ceremony 
and feasting were unusually grand, arising 
from the large sum which Bonaparte had 
given to the inhabitants to defray the expence. 
It was upon this occasion that he declared 
himself the protector of all religions, and re- 
ceived from the Moslems the name of AH Bona- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 16S^ 

parte. He had previous to this event mani- 
fested great regard to the grand seignior, by- 
permitting all the Turkish vessels in Alexan- 
dria, as well as all neutral vessels, either to 
remain or set sail for their respective destina- 
tions at their pleasure, and setting free and 
sending to Constantinople, on board those 
vessels, with a letter to the grand vizier, 
fraught with many professions of regard and 
subordination to the Porte, the Turkish 
slaves, to the number of three hundred, 
whom he had found at Malta. 

He also obtained a passage for Beau- 
champs, who was the bearer of dispatches to 
the Porte, and in it stated his reasons for en- 
tering Syria and attempting the punishment 
of Ahmed Djezzar, pacha of Acre. Bona- 
parte's complaint against the Butcher^ which, 
name was given to Ahmed on account of his 
horrible cruelty and murders, he thus stated : 
" Ibrahim Bey fled to Gaza, and the pacha 
" received him as a friend. I sent an ofiicer 
" to the latter, requiring Djezzar to keep the 
" bey at a distance, and to refuse him suc- 
" cour. He made no reply, but dismissed 
" the officer, and imprisoned all the French 
" at Acre in irons : he also protects the Ma- 
" melucs, and having collected a large force 
" threatens the frontiers of Egypt with hos- 
" tility." 

A deliberative assembly was collected from 
the fourteen provinces, composed of the most 
influential men in each, assisted by two of the 



166 THE HISTORY OF 

French philosophers, who appointed Abdal- 
lah Kezkaori, an Arabian prince, their pre- 
sident, the duties of which station he per- 
formed with great dignity. The members of 
this body were Uberally paid, and wore a tur- 
ban and tri-coloured shawl, which distinguish- 
ed them from the other chiefs. 

To increase the impressions which had 
been made upon the minds of the Egyptians, 
Bonaparte ordered that the anniversary of the 
republick's commencement should be cele- 
brated at Cairo with the greatest splendour. 
The day began with discharges of artillery from 
all the forts, batteries, and the flotilla on the 
Nile. The troops assembled in the principal 
square, with 105 flags, one to each department 
and the Italian republicks, decorated with the 
tri-coloured figures. Inscriptions were affixed 
to the porticos and triumphal arches, comme- 
morating the battle of the pyramids, the de- 
feat of the Mamelucs, he. the names of the 
soldiers who had died were recorded, and al- 
tars erected to their memory. The specta- 
tors, who consisted of the members of the 
divan and the other officers, besides a large 
multitude of the inhabitants, were delighted 
with the sight of the sentence which was 
emblazoned before them : " There is no God 
but one God, and Mohammed is his prophet." 
Bonaparte addressed his soldiers in front of 
the line :.... 

" Soldiers ! We are celebrating the first day of the seventh 
year of the republick. Five years since, the independence of 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 167 

the people was threatened, but you took Toulon, which pre- 
saged the ruin of our enemies. The next year you defeated 
the Austrians at Dego ; the following year you were on the 
summit of the Alps ; two years since you were employed 
against Mantua ; and last year you gained tfje, celebrated vic- 
tory of St. George. On your return from Germany you ex- 
plored the sources of the Drave and the Izouso. ' Who at tlrat 
time would have thought that you would now be on'tiie bariks*^ 
of the Nile, in the centre of the ancient continent ? 

" Soldiers I Yjur destiny is enviable ; you are worthy of 
what you have accomplished, and of the opinion which your 
country entertains of you." 

At the conclusion of this address, the 
bands of musick began to play their marches 
and patriotick airs, with songs of victory, 
and the general's address was cheered with a 
general and enthusiastick cry of " Vive la 
Republique :" a hymn was next sung, after 
which the troops filed off before Bonaparte, 
who returned to his quarters. A large com- 
pany had been invited to dine at his house, 
where a sumptuous dinner was prepared for 
the guests. The French and Turkish colours 
were intwined, the cap of liberty was plac- 
ed by the side of the crescent, and the rights 
of man by the koran. After dinner Bona- 
parte gave as his toast, " The three hun- 
dredth year of the French republick." One 
of his aides-de-camp, " The legislative 
bodies and the executive directory." Monge, 
president of the Egyptian institute, " The 
perfection of the human understanding and 
the advancement of knowledge." Berthier,' 



THE HISTORY OF 



" The expulsion of the Mamekics, and the 
prosperity of the people of Egypt." The 
patriotick verses which were sung by the sol- 
diers concluded the feast. 

Foot and horse races, and other games in 
the ancient manner commenced at 4 o'clock.... 
the prizes were adjudged to the victors in due 
form, who were carried in triumph round the 
circus. In the evening a superb illumination 
heightened the effect which the brilliancy of 
the day had produced. This was an exhibi- 
tion altogether novel in Egypt: the crystal 
lamps which were disposed in every variety 
upon the pillars, arches, h.c. combined with 
a most splendid display of fire-works, and ac- 
companied with discharges of artillery and 
musketry, surprised and delighted the inhabi- 
tants. 

The ceremony of the opening of the Nile 
was this year performed with unusual pomp^ 
and attended by Bonaparte, who distributed 
large sums in aims to the poor, and invited 
the principal inhabitants to a magnificent 
feast. 

The general divan met on Vendemiaire 
17th, October eighth, but their deliberations 
were soon contaminated by the spirit of bigo- 
try, which represented every innovation as 
opposite to the koran, and subversive of its 
dignity, it having provided for every possible 
emergency. These murmurs were reported 
to Bonaparte, who used every precaution 
which his situation afforded him to defend 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 169 

himself, he hnmediately enrolled all the Eu- 
ropeans of every nation in Cairo, and form- 
ed from them ten companies of national 
guards, whom he stationed at certain appoint- 
ed posts in the city, which they were to oc- 
cupy and maintain. 

The event which he had anticipated soon 
occurred. On the 1st of Brumaire, October 
twenty-second, immense crowds armed with 
spears and sharp stones, assembled in all the 
mosques, as places of defence and posts from, 
which to sally. The alarm being given, the 
French were immediately under arms. Bo- 
naparte gave orders for a battalion to march 
against the grand mosque, where eight or 
ten thousand Turks were assembled. Up- 
on being summoned, they refused to surren- 
der. The citadel immediately began to bat- 
ter the grand mosque, into which several 
bombs fell, scattering terror and despair. 
The mosques were at length forced by the 
French, who had hitherto considered themi 
sacred, and a dreadful slaughter ensued : the 
great mosque and many other buildings in 
which the rebels had concealed themselves 
were burnt, and those who escaped the flames, 
perished by the bullet or bayonet : every arm- 
ed Turk was slain, whilst every Frenchman 
or small party of the French, experienced 
the same fate. 

The loss of the Egyptian insurgents 
amounted to nearly 5,000 men, whilst that of 

Y 



iro THE m STORY OF 



the French did not exceed 100 killed or 
wounded ; and this was owing chiefly to a 
very heavy shower of stones which were 
thrown from the tops of the houses. The 
governor of Cairo was among the number of 
the killed ; he had gone out unarmed, and 
almost alone, to investigate the cause of the 
tumult, and lost his life ere the insurrection 
was discovered. 

Denon, an eye witness of this scene, adds 
the following interesting particulars :.... 

« I was finishing my drawing of the sanctuary of death, so 
absurdly gay, when I heard loud cries, which I at first took to 
be some funeral, attended by hired female mourners, as is the 
custom here ; but on turning my eyes I saw a number of wo- 
men running away, and making a sign for me to follow them. 
The idea of the scourge of the country at first rushed into my 
mind, but seeing the ground clear for a considerable distance 
and no Arabs collecting, I resumed my drawing. Directly 
after, however, I saw several men also flying off", and being at 
a considerable distance from our own posts, I thought it most 
prudent to return. I found some agitation in the streets, and 
surprize in the looks of the inhabitants. When arrived at my 
house, I learnt that there had been an aff'ray in the town, and 
that the governor had been assassinated. The noise of firing 
had been heard, and we were alarmed for the house of the in- 
stitute, which was situated in the midst of gardens looking to- 
wards the country, and enjoyed in times of peace a defightful 
tranquillity, but for the same reason was the first quarter of 
the suburbs to be abandoned in any serious disturbance, or if 
attacked by the Arabs : toAvards the town it looked upon the 
part inhabited by the poorest class only, and consequently the 
most to be feared. We learnt that the house of general 
Caffarelli had just been pillaged, and that many persons in it 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 171 

belonging to the commission of arts had fallen victims to the 
fury of the populace. We immediately made a muster of 
our own party, and found four absent, who, as we learnt 
an hour after fiom our people, had been massacred. We had 
no intelligf nee of Bonaparte, night was coming on, firing was 
heard in different places, and cries every where ; in short, we 
feared a general insurrection. 

*• General Dumas, in returning from his pursuit of the 
Arabs, had made a great carnage of the rebels in entering the 
town, and had cut off the head of a seditious chief whilst he 
was haran.^uing the people ; but a full half of the town, and 
that the most populous, was barricaded up ; more than four 
thousand inhabitants were intrenched in a mosque ; two cOift- 
panies of grenadiers had been repulsed, and the cannon had 
not been able to penetrate into those narrow and crooked 
streets, whilst the enemy unseen and protected in their houses, 
were able to throw stones and lances on our party with safety 
and effect. The general had sent for our protection a detach? 
ment, which however he was obliged to withdraw about mid- 
night, and this for a time aggravated the danger to which the 
institute was exposed. The night, however, passed quietly 
enough, for the Turks do not like to fight after dark, and 
make a point of conscience not to kill their enemies when the 
sun is gone down : and, on the other hand, I, who have al- 
ways thought that in perilous situations, prudence, when it 
can do nothing, becomes a painful trouble, lay down to rest, 
trusting to the terror of others to awake me in case of alarm. 

" Early the next morning the war re-commenced : muskets 
v^ere sent us ; all the members of the institute took up arms, 
and chose their leaders, but every one had his own plan of 
operations, and no one would obey. Dolomieu, Cordier, De- 
lisle, Saint-Simon and myself, lodged at a distance from the 
others ; our house might have been pillaged by any one who 
would take the trouble, but as sixty men had been sent to the 
assistance of our comrades, we became easy on their accountj 



172 THE HISTORY OF 



and set about intrenchi'ig ourselves in the best manner we 
could, tso as to hold ou«*4it least four hours, if attacked by a 
moderate force only, tWat we might have time to procure re- 
lief by the alarm of our firing. 

" At one time we thought we were actually invested, for we 
saw the peaceable inhabitants fly, and we heard the noise of 
arms reach up to our walls, and the bullets whistling on our 
terraces. We immediately pulled them to pieces, to give us 
materials for knocking down and crushing any enemy who 
might attempt to force our gates ; and at an extremity we 
could even use as a weapon ot offence the ladder which served 
for mounting to our chamber. In the midst of our danger, how- 
ever, the heavy artillery of the castle made the diversion in 
our favour, which I so anxiously expected ; it produced all the 
effect which I looked for, and consternation succeeded to rage. 
The ai'tillery, however, could not reach the mosque, which 
■was now the only rallying point of our enemies, all the rest 
having surrendered at discretion : but the mosque itself was 
soon turned, and a battery taught the enemy that our warfare 
did not stop with the day ; as a last effort, they now pulled 
down their barricades and made a sortie, but being repulsed) 
surrendered. The rest of the night passed quietly, and the 
next day we were at liberty. 

" Some traitors were indeed arrested and punished, but 
the mosques which had been the asylum of crimes were re- 
stored, and the pride of the offenders was heightened by this 
act of condescension, whilst their fanaticism was not subdued 
by their terror. Whatever representation could be made to 
Bonaparte of the danger of such a line of conduct with the 
rebels, nothing could shake the sentiments of humanity Avhich 
he displayed in this event ; he wished to shew as much cle- 
mency as he could excite terror, and the past was forgotten, 
whilst we had to lament many and serious losses. 

" Though the populace, the devoteesj and some of the great 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 173 

people of Cairo, shewed themselves fantastical and cruel in 
this revolt, the middle class, Avhich is 'n all countries l^ie most 
accessible to reason and virtue, was pei'fectly humane and ge- 
nerous to us, notwithstanding the wide differences of manners, 
religion and language ; whilst from the galleries of the mina- 
rets murder was devoutly preached up, whilst the streets were 
filled with death and carnage, all those in whose houses any 
Frenchmen v/ere lodged, w,ere eager to save them by conceal- 
ment, and to supply and anticipate all their wants : an elderly 
woman in the quarter in which we lodged gave us to under- 
stand, that as our wall was but weak, if we were attacked, 
we had only to throw it down, and to seek for shelter in her 
harem ; a neighbour, without being asked, sent us provision 
at the expence of his own store, when no food was to be pur- 
chased in the town, and every thing announced approaching 
famine ; he even removed every thing from before our house 
which could render it conspicuous to the enemy, and went to 
smoke at our door as if it was his own, in order to deceive 
any that might attack us : two young persons who were pur- 
sued in the streets were snatched up by some unknown people 
and carried into a house, and whilst they were furiously strug- 
gling for deliverance, expecting that they were destined for 
some horrible cruelty, the kind ravishers, not being able 
otherwise to convince them of the hospitable benevolence of 
their intentions, delivered up to them their own children as 
pledges of their sincerity. Many other such anecdotes could 
be given of delicate sensibility, which recall the feelings of hu- 
man nature in the times in which they seem to be entirely 
abandoned. If the grave mussulman represses those tokens 
of sensibility which other nations would take a pride in exhi-. 
biting, it is in order to preserve the dignified austerity of his 
character." 

On the 21st Frimaire, December eleventhj 



174 THE HISTORY OF 

the sheik Sadat, gave a dinner to Bonaparte, 
on account of the festival of Seyd ut Zehnab, 
a woman of All's family, son-in-law to Mo- 
hammed, which was celebrated in the mosque 
dedicated to her. Dinner was preceded and 
followed by conversation. Bonaparte told 
the sheiks that the Arabs, in the time of the 
califs^ had cultivated the arts and the scien- 
ces, but now they were in profound igno- 
rance, and that no traces could be perceived 
in them of the knowledge of their ancestors. 
The sheik Sadat replied, that they possessed 
the koran, which comprised all knowledge. 
The general asked if the koran taught them 
how to cast cannon ; all the sheiks present 
answered " Yes." 

Bonaparte having arranged his plan, pre- 
pared to execute it by marching into Syria. 
He ordered general Bon to take possession of 
Suez, which he entered on the 17th Fri- 
maire, December seventh. On the 2d of 
Nivose, December twenty-second, Bonaparte 
arrived, and there heard that Ahmed Djezzar 
was appointed pacha of Egypt ; that he was 
collecting troops, and that he had sent a corps 
to El-Avisel, not far from the desert. He 
immediately dispatched Le Grange to fortify 
Cathich, who on the 17th Nivose, January 
sixth, reached it and fulfilled his orders. Bo- 
naparte returned to Cairo the same day, and 
immediately adjusted the Syrian expedition. 

The army engaged in this enterprise was 
composed of 12,892 men, divided into four 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 175 

bodies, under the command of Kleber, Bon, 
Lannes and Regnier....Dommartin was at the 
head of the artillery, and Caffarelli led the 
engineers. The foot soldiers amounted to 
9,882, the cavalry to 800, the engineers to 
340, the artillery 1,38 5, the guides 400, and 
88 dromedaries. ...the park of artillery consist- 
ed of 4 pieces of twelve, 3 of eight, 5 how- 
itzers, 3 mortars and 3 cowhorns, and to each 
of the four divisions in addition to these, 2 
pieces of eight, 2 howitzers of 6 inches, and 
2 pieces of three. 

The horse guides were accompanied by 4 
pieces of eight, 2 howitzers of six inches ; 
and the cavalry by 4 pieces of four. 

Bonaparte ordered the provisions and am- 
munition of the army to be transported to 
Cathich, and three French frigates to cruise 
off Jaffa, preserving their communication with 
him. On board these vessels were the pieces 
of heavy artillery intended for the siege of 
Acre. 

Regnifer left Belbeys on Pluviose 4th, Janu- 
ary twenty-third, and arrived before El-Arisch 
on the 21st February, ninth. ...in the fort and 
town were stationed about 2,000 of the pa- 
cha's troops. On the day previous to his ar- 
rival, his van-guard had dispersed some small 
parties of the Mamelucs. The French pre- 
pared an immediate attack upon the village, 
which is situated in the form of an ampithea- 
tre, and notwithstanding the most obstinate 
resistance, it was fQi;ced by the bayonet with 



176 THE HISTORY OF 

the loss of 200 men on the part of the Turks, 
against whom the gates had been closed. The 
blockade was completed the same evenmg : 
soon after a large reinforcement of cavalry 
and infantry, with a supply of provisions for 
the garrison appeared, which received con- 
tinual accessions of fresh troops until the 
25th, thirteenth, when they encamped them- 
selves in the vicinity of El-Arisch, in a very 
strong and favourable position. Kleber hav- 
ing arrived and joined Regnier, they resolved 
to surprise the Turkish camp, which they 
fully performed in the night of the 26th, four- 
teenth.. ..the Mamelucs were nearly all prison- 
ers or slain.. ..all their camp equipage, horses, 
camels, provisions and ammunition were cap- 
tured by the French: two beys and several 
kyachefs were among the dead on the field. 

Bonaparte with the general staff left Cairo 
on Pluviose 22d, February tenth, and on the 
27th, seventeenth, arrived at El-Arisch, 
where the artillery, and Bon and Lannes, 
with their divisions, joined him. The army 
were posted in front of the town, and on the 
SOth, eighteenth, a cannonade commenced, 
v/hich made a considerable breach : Bona- 
parte immediately summoned the garrison to 
surrender, to v/hich they replied, that they 
would consent to the demand, provided their 
arms and baggage were left them, and per- 
mission given for them to retire to Acre : this 
delayed the assault, and on Ventose 2d, 
twentieth, the garrison af 1,600 men, were 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. m 



allowed to march to Bagdat through the de- 
sert. 

On the 6 th, twenty-fourth, the army en- 
tered Palestine, and marched to Kan Jou- 
nesse, near which Abdalla Pacha, with 1000 
cavalry and 5,000 Naplousians had been en- 
camped, but the approach of the French ar- 
my induced him to retreat towards Gaza : on 
the following day the army continued their 
march, and when within two leagues of Gaza, 
perceived the pacha's cavalry. The French, 
tl'oops were divided into three square bodies, 
whilst the cavalry, with six pieces of cannon, 
commanded by Murat, hastened in front di- 
rectly towards the Turks, who made various 
movements, advancing and retrograding.... but: 
the French being ordered to charge, they re^ 
tired, and towards the close of the day the 
whole corps disappeared. The French ad- 
vanced three leagubs beyond Gaza, where 
the head-quarters were established, and near 
which the ai'my was posted: They found in 
the town 15,000lb. of powder, cartridges, 
cannon, with a large quantity of provisions 
and military stores ; the inhabitants met Bo- 
naparte previous to his entering the tow^n, 
who were treated in a friendly manner, and 
tlie possession of their property secured to 
them. 

On the 10th Ventose, February twenty- 
eighth, the French head-quarters were re- 
moved towards Jaifa, in which troops were 



m THE HISTORY OF 

eolleeting for its defence. At Ramley and 
Ledda they procured a large quantity of bis- 
duit. Kleber, with his division, being the 
advanced guard, marched on the 13th, March 
third j upon his approach to the town, the 
Turks commenced a cannonading, which in- 
duced him to halt until Bonaparte arrived 
with the other divisions ; who immediately di- 
rected Kleber and the cavalry to post them- 
selves on the river L ahoy a to cover the siege 
of Jaffa, which is surrounded by a wall, with 
several towers defended by cannon, besides 
two forts which command the entrance into 
the port from the sea. 

Bonaparte having determined upon attack- 
ing the town by the south side near the sea, 
invested it on the 14th, fourth, encamped on 
the high grounds, and on the same evening, 
opened the trenches and raised four batte- 
ries, the completion of which occupied the 
next day ; two sorties had been attempted on 
the 15th, fifth, but with considerable loss to 
the garrison. The batteries began to play 
upon the walls on the morning of the 16th, 
sixth, and early in the evening the breach 
which had been made, authorised an immedi- 
ate assault. Rambeaud and Vernois led the 
attack ; the French troops entered the breachy 
and amidst a strong flank firing of the garri- 
son, gained possession, and carried the 
square tower : the artillery showered grape 
shot on the city, and supported the infantry. 
The French continued their progress, and 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. lYS 

captured the fort and the port, which so dis- 
couraged the garrison that they flew in all di- 
rections, and were mostly slain ; their number 
amounted to 3,700 men, besides 300 Egypti- 
ans who escaped the carnage, and were sent 
to Egypt. Ten pieces of cannon were found 
in the towers, and about 20 indifferent siege 
pieces. 

On the 17th, seventh, Bonaparte having 
gained possession of the fortifications, sucr 
.ceeded in repressing the disorders attending 
an assault, and the inhabitants returned to 
their habitations. Fifteen small vessels were 
captured in the harbour. He formed a divan, 
composed of the principal Turks in the town, 
gave orders to place the town in a complete 
state of defence, and established a hospital. 
The possession of Jaffa was of great impor- 
tance to the French army, as it became the 
depot of all the supplies which they received 
from Egypt. From Jaffa Bonaparte wa*ote to 
Djezzar this letter, dated 19th Ventose, 
March ninth :.... 

" Since my arrival in Egypt, I several times informed you 
that I had no design to make war against you, and that my 
only object was to expel the Mamelucs. You returned no an- 
swer to the overture which I made you. I announced that I 
desired that you would drive Ibrahim Bey from the frontiers 
of Egypt ; but instead of that you sent troops to Gaza ; you 
fornied there large magazines, and promulged that you in- 
tended to march against Egypt, You indeed began to put 
this plan in execution ; and you threw 2,000 of your troops 
jnto the fortress of El- Arisch, which is six miles only from the 



180 THE HISTORY OV 



frontiers of Egypt. I was obliged then to depart from Cairo, 
to direct in person the war which you seemed to invite. The 
districts of Gaza, Ramley and Jaffa are already in my power. 
I have treated with generosity such of your troops as surren- 
dered at discretion, but I have been severe towards those who 
violated the rights of war. In a few days I shall march 
against Acre. But why should I go to deprive an old man, 
with whom I am not acquainted, of the few remaining years 
of his life ! What are a few miles more of territory, in com- 
parison of those which I have already conquered 1 And as 
God grants me victory, I will, like him, be clement and mer- 
ciful, not only towards the people, but to the great. You 
have no solid reason for being my enemy, since you were that 
of the Mamelucs. Your government is separated from that 
of Egypt by the districts of Gaza, Ramley and impassable 
marshes. Become my friencf, be the enemy of the Mamelucs 
and the English, and I will do you as much good as I have 
done you hurt ; and I can still do you more. Send me a short 
answer, by some person invested with full powers, that I may 
know your views. He needs only to present himself to my 
advanced guard with a white flag ; and I have given orders to 
my staff to send you a pass of safety, which you will find an- 
nexed. On the 1st of Germinal, March twenty-first, I shall 
march against Acre, I must therefore have an answer before 
that day." 

Djezzar returned him a verbal answer: 

<' I have not written to you, because I am resolved to hold 
no communication with you. You may march against Acre 
when you please ; I- shall be prepared for you, and will bury 
myself in the ruins of the place, rather than let it fall into 
your hands." 

On the 25th Ventose, March fifteenth, the 
Trench army marched for Zeta/ and discover- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 181 

ed a corps of cavalry ; Abdalla Pacha was 
on the heights of Korsum, but avoided a 
combat ; as he fled at the commencement of 
the attack, with about 200 men killed and 
wounded. Caiffa was abandoned, with a 
large quantity of provisions to the French, 
as soon as they approached the town. Bo- 
naparte proceeded towards Acre, and on the 
28th, eighteenth, took possession of one of 
the heights in its vicinity. Jaifet, Nazareth 
and Scheffamz were also secured to maintain 
the communication with Damascus, 

The trenches were opened on the SOth, 
twentieth, and the siege continued with great 
activity ; on the 6th Germinal, twenty-sixth, 
the garrison made a sortie, but returned with 
loss : on the third day after, a considerable 
breach was effected ; a mine had been blown, 
which was thought sufficient, and an assault 
was made, but a ditch of 15 feet secured the 
works, and the besiegers were forced to re- 
treat. During these events the provisions and 
artillery sent from Egypt, destined for the 
French army, were captured by Sidney 
Smith's fleet, who had joined Djezzar, and 
to whom, with Philippeaux, may be attribu- 
ted the defence which it made. A new breach 
was made on the 12th, April first, but the 
attempt to enter it was unsuccessful. 

General Vial was dispatched on the 14th, 
third, to Sous ; having secured safety to those 
who had fled at his approach, and establish- 
ed a small garrison in it, he returned to the 



182 THE HISTORY OF 

camp at Acre. A sortie was made on the 
18th, seventh, on all sides, but the Turks were 
received by the French army with so strong a 
fire that they returned with much loss. It 
was between these two actions that Djezzar 
ordered all the killed or wounded French in 
his possession to be mutilated, and exhibited 
in triumph ; at the same time 400 French 
who had been imprisoned by him, were lash- 
ed together in couples, placed in a sack, and 
cast into the sea. Information was also re- 
ceived by Bonaparte that large bodies of 
troops were assembling on every side to at- 
tack him, whilst Djezzar supported by the 
English flotilla was to aid their design. This 
induced him to detach general Junot to recon- 
noitre, who discovered some cavalry on the 
heights of Loubi.... continuing his march, he 
suddenly perceived on turning the mountain, 
3,000 cavalry in a large plain, who instantly 
attacked him: he retreated fighting, and 
reached Nazareth, having been pursued six 
miles and lost 60 men: the Turks must have 
suffered much, as five standards were captur- 
ed on this occasion by the French detach- 
ment. 

Kleber upon the receipt of the intelligence 
.of this combat, marched to join Junot at Na- 
zareth : on the 22d, eleventh, he had scarce- 
ly arrived at Sed Jarra, when the Turks de- 
scended from the hills and enveloped his di- 
yision, with 4,000 cavalry and 600 foot; he 
immediately attacked the horse, carried the 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 183 

village, and forced them to retreat to Jordan. 
Three days after this skirmish a large body of 
troops collected in the plain of Fouli, which 
was joined by a great number of Samaritans 
and Naplousians. Kleber informed Bona- 
parte that 18,000 men, though others said 30 
or 40,000, were marching against him ; whilst 
the garrison at Jaffet was blockaded, with a 
very small quantity of provisions and ammu- 
nition ; these events induced him to resolve 
upon a decisive battle. 

On the 24th, thirteenth, Murat was de- 
tached from Acre with 1,000 infantry and a 
regiment of cavalry, who took possession of 
Jacoub's bridge, by which means he assailed 
the rear of the troops who blockaded Jaffet, 
and then joined Kleber. Bonaparte on the 
26th, fifteenth, with the remainder of the ca- 
valry, Bon's division and 8 pieces of artille- 
ry, left the camp before Acre, and on the 
morning of the 27th, sixteenth, having as- 
cended the last height, he discovered Kleber 
engaged with the Mamelucs near Mount 
Thabor.... about 2,000 foot against 20,000 ca- 
valry.... their camp was also in view at about 
six miles distance : the army was formed in- 
to three squares, one of which was cavalry 
....he made the proper arrangements to turn 
them at a considerable distance, to cut off 
their retreat to their camp, and then to drive 
them towards Jordan, where Murat was wait- 
ing to consummate the victory. The cavalry 
marched with two pieces of artillery to seize 



184 THE HISTORY OF 

the camp, whilst the infantry proceeded to 
execute their duty. Kleber having received 
a supply of ammunition, cavalry and 4 pieces 
of cannon, formed his corps into two squares, 
and posted his light troops among some ruins. 
The Mamelucs had stationed in the village of 
Fouli the Naplousian infantry, with two 
pieces of cannon : the whole of the cavalry 
surrounded Kleber's main body, which re- 
pelled every charge. When arrived within a 
short distance, Bonaparte ordered Rampon' 
to assist Kleber, Vial to march towards the 
mountain of Nouzes, and the foot guides to 
cut off the retreat by Genin. Kleber per- 
ceiving that a strong body of French had 
joined him, attacked the village of Fouli, 
which was carried by the bayonet, and then 
returned to charge the cavalry. The Mame- 
lucs were cut off from the mountains of Na- 
plouse ; and the road by Genin was intercepted; 
upon which the whole body hesitated, and fled 
in great disorder to Mount Thabor, and 
Jordan, in which great numbers were drown- 
ed. Murat had surprized the governor of 
Damascus' son, at Jacoubs' bridge, took his 
camp, slew great numbers of his army^ and 
pursued them towards Damascus. The camp 
of the Mamelucs was taken, 500 camels, all' 
their tents and provisions, and 250 prisoners. 
The villages of Nouzes, Genin and Fouli- 
were burnt, and those who remained in them 
killed, but the Naplousians were spared. 
Murat instantly marched to Tabbarie, in 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 



which he found a whole year's supply of am- 
munition and provisions. Bonaparte return- 
ed to the camp before Acre, with Bon's divi- 
sion and Murat's cavalry. The Mamelucs 
lost in this action nearly 5,000 men and all 
their magazines. 

A party of Arabs having encamped near 
Mount Carmel, general Leturcq surprised 
them on the 30th, nineteenth, and took from 
them 800 head of cattle, and killed 60 men. 

The operations of the siege were continu- 
ed with great vigour ; the garrison protected 
their sorties by new works, whilst the French 
endeavoured to undermine the walls and the 
towers ; on the 5th Floreal, April 24th, the 
tnine exploded, but without its intended ef- 
fect... .the grenadiers were ordered to enter by 
the breach into the tov/ef, but the garrison 
threw so many combustibles among them^^ 
that they were obliged to retire. 

On the 12th, May first, a strong battery 
was completed, and opened against the tower 
which had been so frequently attempted ; up- 
on which the garrison sallied out in consider- 
able force ; but their retreat being cut oif, a 
considerable number, not protected by their 
own works, were driven into the sea ; their 
whole loss amounted to 500 men. 

About 10 o'clock in the evening of the 
ieth, fifth, Bonaparte ordered an attack upon 
the out-works ; the Turks stationed in them 
were surprized, and almost all of them slain. 

A. A 



iB6 THE HISTORY OF 



On the following night, another general as- 
sault was made, but the works were so pow- 
erfully defended, that with all their courage 
the French could not maintain their position 
in the tower. A similar attempt was made 
on the night of the 18th, seventh, and al- 
though the French troops completely succeed- 
ed in carrying the works, and weakening the 
garrison by a great slaughter of the soldiers 
who were posted in them, they could not ad- 
vance, and after a severe conflict retired with 
the loss of 150 men and 17 officers. Bona-' 
parte ordered, another attack on the following 
morning, " but it ended like the former at-* 
tempts ; the combat continued throughout 
the day) and at night they retreated to the 
camp. A very considerable reinforcement of 
men and provisions was landed on the 19th, 
eighth, and animated the garrison with new 
energy. " 

On the 21st, tenth, three assaults were 
made, but the force with which the garrison 
had been augmented rendered them ineffectu^ 
al : the slaughter had been so great among 
the Turks, that an infectious disorder was 
anticipated, as the bodies remained in the 
works not buried : a flag of truce was imme- 
diately sent to Djezzar to propose a suspen* 
sion of arms whilst the dead were interred, 
and to establish an exchange of prisoners. 
The only answer which was given was the 
continuation of the firing from the batteries. 
Two sorties were made by the garrison on the 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 18f 

27th, sixteenth, but without success ; the 
assailants were obUged to retire at all points. 

A flag of truce left Acre on the 28th, se- 
venteenth, accompanied by the Turk who 
had been sent to Djezzar. His answer was, 
that the English guns were the only reply he 
had to make....he broua;ht with him the pro- 
clamation of the Turkish government, sanc- 
tioned by sir Sidney Smithy which was read 
to all the army. 

*' The Ministry of the Sublime Porte^ to the Generals^ Offi' 
cers and Soldiers of the French army in Egypt. 

" The French directory forgetful of the rights of nations, 
has deceived you, surprised your good faith, and in contempt 
of the laws of war, sent you to Egypt, a country subject to 
the Sublime Porte, by persuading you that the Sublime Porte 
kself had consented to the invasion of its own territory. 

" Can you entertain any doubts but that the only object of 
the directory in sending you to a remote country was to banish 
you from France, and to plunge you into an abyss of dangers ; 
If, completely ignorant of the truth, you have invaded the 
territqry of Egypt, and are made the instruments to violate 
treaties of the most solemn kind, must you not attribute this 
to the perfidy of the directory ? Egypt must however be freed 
from so iniquitous an invasion, and vast armies are now «> 
march, and the sea is covered with formidable squadrons, for 
the attainment of that object. 

« Those among you of whatever rank they may be, wh© 
wish to extricate themselves from the imminent peril to which 
they are exposed, are called upon to signify their intentions, 
without delay, to the commanders of the land and sea forces 
of the allied powers. They may be confident of a safe conduct 
to whatever place they may be desirous to proceed, and they 



THE HISTORY OF 



shall receive passports to protect them on their voyage from 
the squadrons and cruizers of the allied powers. Let them 
then hasten to take advantage of the benignant disposition of 
the Sublime Porte, and let them consider it as a propitious 
occasion to extricate themselves from the horrible gulf into 
which they are precipitated. 

« Done^t Constantinople, the 11th of the moon Ramazan? 
in the year of the Hegira 1213, and February 5th, 1799." 

The officer who brought this address re- 
turned without an answer, and the firing 
continued.. ..but this on the part of the French 
was a mere feint, for Bonaparte had resolved 
immediately to return into Egypt. His army 
was in a very sickly condition ; with much 
difficulty they procured provisions ; his hea- 
vy artillery had been captured ; the army 
against which he fought exceeded thrice the 
number of his troops, besides the marine 
force under sir Sidney Smith ; his presence 
was immediately necessary in Egypt, to quell 
the appearance of disorder which had been 
excited in his absence. ...the expectation of a 
large Turkish force at Alexandria was an ad- 
ditiona,! motive ; the whole country was op- 
posed to him ; and the season would soon 
have altogether precluded his return : this 
proclamation was therefore issued :.... 

" Head-Quarters before Acre, 2Bih Floreai, 
May seventeen. 
*' Soldiers ! You have traversed the desert virhich separates 
Africa from Asia, with more rapidity than an Arabian army 
could have done. The army which had marched to invade 
Egypt you have destroyed ; you have taken its general, all 
their field equipage, baggage and camels. You took posscssi- 



NAPOLEON BON A.P ARTE. 18? 

on of alitiie strong holds and fortresses which guard the wells of 
the Desert. You dispersed on the fields of Mouut Thabor 
thatcloudofmen who had collected from all parts of Asia, with 
th? hope of plundering Egypt. The 30 ships which you saw 
arrive at Acre 12 days since, contained an army intended to 
besiege Aleiscandria ; but compelled to come to the relief of 
Acre, it has there finished its career.. ..a part of tjieir coloui's 
will decorate your re-entrance into Egypt. In short, af- 
ter having, with a handful of men, sustained a war of three 
months ii) the heart of Syria, taken 40 pieces of field cannon, 
50 colours, 6,000 prisoners, destroyed the fortifications of Ga- 
za, Jaffa, Caiffa and Acre, we are about to return into Egypt. 
The season of debarkation in that country calls me back. A 
few days more, and you had well grounded hopes of taking thp 
Pacha in jthe midst of his palace ; but at this season the cap= 
tuire of the fortress of Acre is no longer worth a day's delay, 
and the brave men whom I must lose by continuing the siege are 
become necessary in the prosecvitipn of more essential opera- 
tions. 

" Soldiers ! We have a further career to run of danger and 
fatigue. After having deprived tbe East of the means of an-? 
noying us in this campaign, it may perhaps be necessary to 
oppose ourselves to the efforts of the West. You will find 
new fields of glory; and if amidst so many combats, each day 
shall be marked by the death of a brave man, new heroes 
must arise, and take rank in their turn, amongst the small 
number who lead in danger, and by their example command 

victory. 

« BONAPARTE." 

During the night the sick and wounded be^ 
gan to remove, and the artillery was with- 
drawn. The advanced guard immediately 
inarched to secure the passes. On the 1st 
frairial. May 20^ two sorties were made by 



190 THE HISTORY OF 

the garrison, who, enraged at the destruction 
of Djezzar's palace, and many other edifices, 
fought with unprecedented obstinacy, but they 
were at length obliged to return into the town 
with great loss. The heavy artillery being 
entirely removed, all the useless materials 
were cast into the sea; and on the same 
night, after a siege of sixty day^, the trench- 
es were evacuated. The army retired in 
perfect order, and with so much secrecy that 
their return was not perceived by the garri^ 
son until the following day. At Cantoura 
they sunk 22 pieces of cannon, and after pU' 
nishing the villages which had aided the 
Turks, destroying the fortifications of Jaffa, 
raising from that town 150,000 livres, setting 
fire to the grain in the vicinity of Ibrel and 
other villages ; taxing Gaza 100,000 livres, 
and blowing up its fort; on the 26 th Prairial, 
June fourteenth, Bonaparte arrived at Cairo, 
where preparations had been made for his re- 
ception; illuminations, triumphal arches, &c. 
were exhibited in honour of the army of Syria. 
On the 23d Messidor, July eleventh, 100 
sa.il of vessels anchored at Aboukir ; the 
troops landed on the 27th, fifteenth, carried 
the fort by the most intrepid assault, and 
halving landed their artillery, intrenched 
themselves on the peninsula. Immediately 
as Bonaparte heard this intelligence, he left 
Cairo, and on the 7th Thermidor, July twen- 
ty-fifth, appeared before the Turkish army. 
The Pacha had posted his army so as %9, 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 191 

, il^. ■■■■■ — . M .i^ I I. - ■.— ,■,-,,.- ,-- .1.. . * I. ■■ ■■'■■■ '•- ■ ' ■ 

form three lines of defence, defended by ar- 
.tillery and gun boats. On the right 1,200 
Turks occupied a post with 4 pieces of can- 
non ; the retreat of these was cut off by De- 
staing ; on the left 2,000 Turks, with 6 pieces 
of cannon, were stationed; these were at- 
tacked by Lasnes, and by the activity of Mu- 
rat's body, of cavalry, the whole of the 
•two corps, preferring death to a capitulation, 
were either killed or wounded : in the centre 
a redoubt was defended by 9,000 men and 1^ 
pieces of cannon ; this was attacked by Des- 
taing and Lasnes.. ..the Turks fought with en- 
thusiastick valour, but the cavalry advancing, 
they slung their muskets behind them, took 
to their swords and pistols, and endeavoured 
to wrest the bayonets from the French who 
assailed the iiitrenchments ; Murat as the re- 
doubt was forced in front, charged all the po- 
sitions in the rear, cut off their retreat into 
the fort, and completed the defeat ; resolved 
not to capitulate, they followed the example 
of their comrades, and about 7,000 of them 
perished in the sea. The Pacha was captur- 
^ed, with 200 Turks ; 2,000 were dead on the 
;Beld ; the tents, baggage, cannon, and all 
'the army equipage, was taken, and the fort 
-immediately ceased to fire; but the fleet hav- 
ing communicated with the fort in the eve- 
ning, they determined to defend it to the last 
extremity : the garrison were summoned on 
the 8th, twenty-sixth, and on the 1 5th, Au- 
gust second, surrendered. The Pacha's son. 



192 THE HISTORY OF 

with^ 2,000 men, were prisoners ; in the fort 
were found 1,800 dead and wounded. By 
this expedition the Turks lost 18,000 men. 
The following had been previously issued: 
ARMY OF THE EAST. 

" GENERAL ORDERS. 

" Thermidor lAth, Jugust Jirst, 
" BONAPARTE, GENERAL IN CHIEF. 

« The name of Aboukir was fatal to all Frenchmen. The 
7th Thermidor, July twenty -fifth, has rendered it glorious. 
The victory which the army has gained accelerates its leturn 
to Europe. 

« We have conquered Meritz and the limits of the Rhine, 
by invading a part of Germany. We have now re-conquered 
our establishments in India, and those of our allies, by a sin- 
gle operation. We have put into the hands of government 
the power to force England, and notwithstanding its maritime 
triumphs, to a peace glorious for the republic. 

« We have suffered much : we have had to fight enemies 
of every kind : we have them still to conquer : but, at lengthy 
the result will be worthy of you, and we shall merit the thanks 
of oui* country." 

Soon after these events Bonaparte determin- 
ed to return to France ; he therefore ordered ad- 
miral Ganteaume to prepare two frigates and 
two sloops for a Voyage^ and addressed a 
sealed note to all those whom he intended 
should accompany him, with directions that 
it should not be opened until a certain day, at 
a particular hour, and upon a given spot on the 
sea-shore. The day appointed was the 5th 
Fructidor, August twenty-second ; the whole 
party attended as they were commanded, Ber- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. i4< 



thier alone being acquainted with the desii^n : 
having broken the seals of their notes they 
found that they were immediately to embark : 
at one in the morning of the 6th, twenty- 
third, Menou informed Lasnes, Murat, Mar- 
mont, h.c. that Bonaparte was waiting for 
them on the beach : leaving their baggage 
and horses, they were received on board, and 
after a short detention by contrary winds, de- 
parted from the road of Aboukir on the 7th, 
twenty-fourth. 

He appointed Kieber chief, gave to Des- 
saix the command in Upper Egypt, and 
wrote to the army, dated Fructidor 6th, Au- 
gust twenty -third:.... 

<' In consequence of news from Europe, T have determined 
immediately to return to France. I resign the command of the 
army to general Kieber. They shall hear from me speedily. 
This is all I can say to them at present. It grieves me to the 
heart to part from the brave men to whom I am so tenderly 
attached. But it will be for an instant only ; and the general 
whom I leave at their head is in full possession of the confi- 
dence of the govei'nment, and of mine." 

Bonaparte arrived at Ajaccio on the 9th 
Vendemiaire, September thirtieth, and was 
received with the utmost enthusiasm; his little 
fleet saw no vessel during the passage..... 
the wind obliged the ships to stay in that port 
until the 14th, October jflfth, when they 
weighed anchor, and the following evening 
being in sight of the French coast, and dis- 
tant ten leagues only from Toulon, they per- 

B B 



t94 THE HISTORY OF , 

ceived an English squadron of eight sail. 
The moon was covered with a thick fog, and 
the Signal guns of the squadron which was 
endeavouring to intercept the passage of the 
French frigates were heard. A council was 
immediately held on board the frigate in 
which Bonaparte sailed, to decide whether they 
should return to Corsica, or attempt to reach 
the shore. Bonaparte now assumed the com- 
mand: " Be not alarmed," said he, " for- 
tune will not abandon me, let us steer di- 
rectly for the coast." The signals were 
made accordingly, and at midnight they lost 
all apprehension, being too near the shore to 
indulge any fears of an attack. At day break 
they saw Frejus, and about nine in the 
morning of the 16 th, seventh, anchored near 
St. Rapheau. Bonaparte with his compani- 
ons and suite arrived at Frejus about two, 
amidst an immense concourse of people. 
When they landed they prostrated themselves 
to embrace the ground, whilst the spectators 
in the most rapturous transports of joy 
shouted on all sides " Vive la Republique ! 
Vive Bonaparte!" The magistrates of Fre- 
jus received them with triumphal honours. 
Lasnes and Murat being wounded, accom- 
panied the crews to Toulon. 

At six o'clock in. the evening of the 17th, 
eighth, Bonaparte left Frejus and proceeded 
to Paris, with Berthier, Monge, Bertholet 
and Arnaud. The courier who had been 
sent to announce his arrival to the directory, 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 19? 

and to prepare horses for his journey, called 
for them m his name : the crowd of spectators 
was so great as frequently to impede the pro- 
gress of the carriages : every tov/n through 
which he passed at night was illuminated, and 
his whole journey was one continued trium- 
phal procession. At Lyons they gave him a 
splendid reception ; a short theatrical piece 
called the " Hero's Return," was composed 
and represented immediately; the performers 
read their parts, there being no time to com- 
mit them to memory : when he entered the 
theatre, the acclamations and thunders of ap- 
plause were inconceiveable, and when he re- 
tired, the citizens followed him to his lodg- 
ings. He reached Paris Vendemiaire 25th, 
October sixteenth, and on the following day 
had a private audience of the directory. The 
courts and all the streets leading to the Lux- 
embourg were on this occasion filled with 
the citizens : he appeared very sensible of 
these testimonials of joy: among others he 
observed many of the soldiers who had serv- 
ed with him in Italy; these he called to him, 
shook them by the hand, expressed much 
friendship for them, and treated them with 
unusual affability. He was dressed in a grey 
riding coat, without uniform, a Turkish sa- 
bre hung in a silk scarf over his shoulder, 
his hair was short, without powder, and his 
tawny complexion, acquired by the sun of 
Egypt, gave him a greater appearance of man- 
liness and strength than he possessed previous 



196 THE HISTORY OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 

to his departure from Europe. His visit be- 
ing concluded, he waited upon the ministers of 
war, marine, and the other high officers in 
the service of the repubUck. 



Bonaparte's appointment to the First Consul- 
ship, 



BONAPARTE first saw Moreau at the 
house of Gohier, president of the dh-ectory, 
a few days after his arrival in Paris. " Ge- 
neral," said he, " I had several of your lieu- 
tenants with me in Egypt, and they are very 
distinguished officers." 

Three days elapsed before he met Sieyes, 
which supports the opir.ion of those who assert 
that the subseqitent events were not the effect 
of a plan concerted previous to his return. 
Bonaparte was very cautious in all his inter- 
course with the politicians, but to the army 
he was affable and condescending. He dis- 
covered his country's situation to be very un- 
pleasant. ...the armies were suffering through 
want, and every where defeated.... public cre- 
dit was injured, and the government was dis- 
united, rash and imbecile to a degree. 

Bonaparte's presence kindled a spirit of en- 
thusiasm inexpressible ; all parties looked to 
him as the cause of some unknown good to 
the republick ; they trusted unreservedly in 
him for peace and every other blessing :.... 
his courage, military art, affability of man- 



198 THE HISTORY OF 

ners ; his acuteness, penetration, coolness, 
vigour and presence of mind; his boldness 
in design, and intrepidity in execution ; his 
firmness, activity and perseverance ; his 
unparallelled sublime genius, which dis- 
tinguished difficulties from impossibilities, 
and improved every event to his own 
advantage. ...his former letters, speeches and 
actions, and his almost miraculous return 
from Egypt, having escaped through a swarm 
of English, Turkish and Russian ships of war, 
all proclaimed him to be the man who was 
appointed to redress the grievances of the 
nation, and excited the unbounded confidence 
of the people. 

Although the republick was surrounded by 
victorious enemies, and involved in war ; and 
although the last campaign had been very 
unsuccessful, Paris at this eventful crisis was 
filled with generals.... Bonaparte and Moreau 
were attended by Berthier, Lefebre, Serru- 
rier, Macdonald, Murat, Berryer and others : 
their presence which at another time would 
have occasioned jealousy and dissatisfaction, 
was now hailed with ecstasy ; and every pas- 
sion, every principle seemed lost in the con- 
templation of Bonaparte^ their idol, and the 
admiration of the v/orld. 

Sieyes and Bonaparte quickly adjusted a 
change in the form of government.. ..the former 
had long been contriving it, but having no force 
to execute his schemes, it had been delayed; 
the return of that general was propitious to 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 199 

the plan, and his talents were exactly suited 
to perfect the whole. 

The directory ordered a feast in honour of 
Bonaparte and Moreau, and on the 16 th 
Brumaire, November seventh, it was observ- 
ed. The temple of victory v/as adorned 
in the most magnificent manner : the walls 
were decorated with the standards taken in 
battle from the enemies of the republick....the 
president of the council of ancients was at the 
head of the table. ...Gohier president of the di- 
rectory, was on his right hand.. ..Moreau on 
his left. Then followed Lucien Bonaparte, 
president of the council of five hundred, Na- 
poleon, &c. Gohier gave for his toast 
" Peace ;".... the latter " The Union of all 
Frenchmen." An air of constraint and si- 
lence was evident throughout the whole feast 

the ceremony continued about three 

hours, and served no other purpose than to 
solemnize the union of Bonaparte and Mo- 
reau, and that of all parties. 

When he returned to the house appointed 
for his residence, he found Madame La Fay- 
ette and her daughter waiting to express their 
sense of his kindness in delivering her hus- 
band from the Austrian dungeon. 

On the evening of the day after the feast, 
a small number of the members of both 
councils assembled at Lemercier's house, who 
had been elected president of the council of 
ancients. This party consisted of Bonaparte, 
Sieyes, Lemercier, Lucien Bonaparte, Bou- 



200 THE HISTORY OF 

lay de la Meutlie, Courtois, Cabanis, Reg- 
nier, Fargues, Villetard, Chazal, Barillon, 
Botteville, Cornet, Vimar, Delecloy, Fre- 
geville, Le Hatry, Goupil, Preselyn, Rous- 
seau, Herwyn, Cornudet. These legisla- 
tors, after swearing to maintain secrecy, de- 
parted to secure the support of all their 
friends to aid in the execution of the scheme ; 
while the proper officers were charged to 
prepare plans of jacobin conspiracies, in case 
the occasion should demand them. 

The translation of the residence of the le- 
gislative bodies by the vote only of the coun- 
cil of ancients was an article of the constitu- 
tion, and became the main spring of the in- 
tended revolution. At four o'clock in the 
morning of the 18th Brumaire, November 
ninth, the committee of inspectors sent mes- 
sages to 150 members of the council of anci- 
ents, most of them ignorant of the measure, 
to meet at eight o'clock in the Thuilleries. 

When the assembly was formed, and near- 
ly 100 of the violent jacobins were absent, 
Cornet ascended the tribune, represented the 
dangers which threatened the country, and 
the necessity of speedy and effective mea- 
sures for its deliverance from them. 

Regnier then declared the remedy which 
had ' been proposed ; to transport the 
legislative bodies to a commune near Paris> 
where they might deliberate in security on 
the best means to extricate the country, as- 
suring them also that general Bonaparte was 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 20 i 

ready to execute their decree ; he therefore 
moved that the council should be translated 
to St. Cloud; that this translation should 
take place on the following day ; that Bona- 
parte should be charged with its execution, 
and take the necessary measures for the se- 
curity of the national representation ; that he 
should be invested with the general command 
of all the troops in Paris, including their own 
and the national guards ; that he should be 
called into the council to take the requisite 
oaths ; and that a message containing the re- 
solution of the council should be sent to 
the directory, and to the council of five hun- 
dred. 

An address was voted to the people, stat- 
ing their right to remove the legislature, and 
the motives which actuated, this step : they 
alledged that their object was to repress in- 
subordination, faction and commotion, and 
to obtain a speedy peace, internal and exter- 
nal. These reasons in conjunction with their 
confidence in Bonaparte, sufficed to calm the 
Parisians, who patiently waited to see the is- 
sue of these extraordinary measures. 

The decree was notified to Bonaparte 
whilst surrounded by a numerous staff. He 
obeyed the summons, accompanied by Mo- 
reau, Berthier^ Lefevre, Macdonald and 
others. Being informed by the president 
Gc 



202 THE HISTORY or 

of his appointment, he addressed the repre- 
sentatives thus : 

" Citizens lle}irese7itatives, 

" The republick was on the brink of ruin, but your decree 
has saved it. Woe be to those who wish for anarchy. As- 
sisted by my brave companions, I will arrest their course. Let 
us not seek in the past, examples to justify the present. No- 
thing in history resembles t!ie close of the 1 8th century, nor 
is any thing in it like the present moment. 

" Your wisdom has issued the decree ; our arms shall put 
it in execution. We will have a republick founded on the 
right basis, on civil liberty and national representation : we 
will have it, T swear ! I swear it in my own name, and in that 
of my brave comrades '." 

" I swear it," was immediately returned 
by the other generals, and the sitting was dis- 
solved amid the cries of " Vive la Repub- 
lique /" 

The Ancients message being read by the 
council of Five Hundred, the deputies who 
were not in the secret, or who favoured the 
Jacobin party, were astonished and silent. 
The law which had been passed by the An- 
cients was read, and the council adjourned, 
some crying '■'-Vive laRepublique ! others Vive 
la Constitiition .'" 

The members of the councils having de 
parted, the committees of inspectors remain- 
ed in the room belonging to the Ancients, to 
concert measures according to the urgency of 
affairs, Bonaparte's staff being assembled 
at the same place to preserve tranquillity, and 
tb remove the councils to St. Cloud. 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 203 

Tne walls of JPans were immediately co- 
vered with proclamations which had been 
previously prepared : in one Bonaparte an- 
nounced that the council of ancients had 
commissioned him to take measures for the 
safety of the legislative body ; that its remo- 
val to St. Cloud was necessary, to guarantee 
it from the danger with which it was threat- 
ened by the disorganization of every part of 
the administration. In another he informed 
the soldiers that he had taken the command 
of the army to execute measures devised 
solely for tiie benefit of the people. " In 
what state," said he, " did I leave France ? 
In what state have I found it ? I left you con- 
quests, and the enemy are passing your fron- 
tiers ! I left you arsenals well supplied, and 
you are without arms : your cannon have 
been sold ; robbery has been reduced to a sys- 
tem, and the resources of the state are drain- 
ed : recourse has been had to vexatious 
means, repugnant alike to justice and pro- 
priety : the soldier has been left without de- 
fence. For two years past the republick has 
been badly governed ; you have hoped that 
my return would put a stop to such a train of 
evils ; you have celebrated it by an union 
whicii imposes on me the obligations which I 
am attempting to fulfill. You will do your duty ; 
you will second your general with that firmness 
and confidence which I have ever remarked in 
you. Liberty, victory and peace, will again esta- 
blish the French republick in the rank which it 



204 THE HISTORY OF 

held among the nations of the earth, and 
which could only have been lost by folly and 
treason." 

These proclamations were accompanied by 
two notices, exhorting the citizens to pay no 
attention to the suggestions of those who love 
disorder, and informing them that the mea- 
sures which would be adopted were intended 
to re-establish interior order, to restore liber- 
ty, and to fix the republick on sure foundati- 
ons. His address to the officers of the nati- 
onal guard was particularly emphatical. " A 
new order of things is about to take place ; 
the council of ancients will save the repub- 
lick; whoever opposes it shall perish by the 
bayonet of the soldier." The conferring the 
chief command on Bonaparte, and its conse- 
quences immediately followed each other. 
The garden of the Thuilleries was instantly 
filled with 10,000 infantry and cavalry. The 
principal posts in and around Paris, the 
bridges, the Luxembourg, the hall of the 
council of five hundred, the military school, 
the invalids, St. Cloud and Versailles, were 
entrusted to Marmont, Serrurier, Lasnes, 
Macdonald, Berthier, Murat, Andreossi, 
and other generals. Bonaparte had formed 
his dispositions and harangued his troops in 
the court, three of the directors and all the 
rest of Paris being ignorant of every part 
of the change. ...Sieyes and Ducos waited the 
result of the meeting : the former was 
walking in the garden of the Luxembourg, 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 305 

and the latter was in his apartments, when 
they received ihe message from the ancients, 
upon which they repaired immediately to the 
committees of the inspectors at the Thuille- 
ries. Barras was the first of the three other 
directors who became acquainted with the 
change- He was invited to give in his resig- 
nation in the morning ; he hesitated for some 
time, but at length found it unavoidable. 

Gohier, who was to have breakfasted with 
Bonaparte, rising late on the following day, was 
surprised to find the decree of the council 
of ancients on his table. He repaired to the 
audience chamber of the directory, where 
Moulins met him, equally ignorant and as- 
tonished. Their perplexity was increased, 
when on inquiring for Sieyes and Ducos, they 
heard that they were gone to the Thuilleries, 
and that Barras refused to join in their delibera- 
tions. The secretary was then called to write 
the arrets which they were about to form ; but 
their agitation was excessive when he observed, 
that two members could not form a majority, 
and that it was impossible for him to do as 
they requested. Moulins now ordered the house 
of Bonaparte to be surrounded, but it was 
discovered that the guard had deserted, and 
gone to the Thuilleries. General Lefevre 
was then summoned to appear before them ; 
he came, but bowing answered, that an ir- 
revocable decree which had just been issued 
by the council of ancients, invested general 
Bonaparte with the supreme command of all 



206 THE HISTORY OF 



the troops in Paris ; that he was now a subal- 
tern only, and that he could not march a sin- 
gle man without his permission. 

Whilst Bonaparte was engaged in conver- 
sation with Sieyes and Ducos, on the sub- 
jects under consideration, Augereau ap- 
proaching, addressed him with all possible 
cordiality, " General, you did not send tor 
me, but I have come unsought, to join you." 
The directorial palace was soon invested by 
a troop of soldiers, and Moulins did not wait 
to be arrested, but jumping out of the win- 
dow, escaped across the garden of the Lux- 
embourg. Gohier repaired jto the Thuille- 
ries, where, as president of the directory, he 
put the seal to the decree for the translation 
to St. Cloud, which had already been signed 
by Sieyes and Ducos ; he persisted in neither 
resigning his station, nor delivering the seal 
of state, and returned to the Luxembourg, 
where he was under guard until the next 
evening ; when perceiving that the power of 
the directory was destroyed, a new govern- 
ment formed, and the consuls in office, he 
quietly retired to his house at St. Chaumont, 

Immediately after Gohier had signed the 
decree, Sieyes and Ducos resigned their of- 
fices, and Barras speedily followed their ex- 
ample. He sent his secretary Botot to Bona- 
parte, himself remaining in his carriage near 
the Thuilleries, until he returned with the 
report of his interview. Bonaparte was in 
the inspector's apartment when Botot desired 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 207 



to speak with him. He was introduced by 
Coiirtois, and having presented the letter, 
wished to know if Bonaparte had any answer 
for Barras. " Tell him," said Bonaparte, 
" that I desire to hear no more of him, and 
that I trust I shall ever make the authority 
respected which is entrusted to me." Then 
raising his voice, he said: " The army has 
cordially united with me, and I cordially act 
with the legislative body. What have you 
done with the country which I left so flou- 
rishing ? I left you peace and I have found 
war. I left you victory and I have found de- 
feat. I left you the treasures of Italy, and 
I find nothing but oppression and poverty. 
Where are the hundred thousand heroes, my 
companions in arms, whom I left covered 
with glory ? What is become of them ? Alas, 
they are no more ! This state of things can- 
not last long ; in three years it will end in 
despotism. But we are for a republick, 
founded on the basis of equality, civil liber- 
ty and political toleration. If you believe 
the assertions of the factious, we are the ene- 
mies of the republick; we who have strength- 
ened it by our labours and cemented it with 
our blood ; but we wish for no better patriots 
than the brave men who have suffered in its 
service." When he had finished his ha- 
rangue, the most extravagant acclamations 
and applause followed, and Bonaparte re- 
quested Botot to tell Barras " that he was in- 
violably attached to him, and would protect 



208 THE HISTORY OF 

him against his enemies." Barras alarmed 
for his personal safety, immediately withdrew 
to Gros Bois, his country house, guarded by 
a detachment of cavalry, whom Bonaparte or- 
dered to attend him. Sieyes and Ducos pass- 
ed the night at the Thuilleries with the in- 
spectors. 

On the 19th of Brumaire, November 
tenth, before break of day, multiplied de- 
tachments of infantry and cavalry occupied 
all the posts and the neighbourhood of the 
palace of St. Cloud. The legislature arri- 
ved there about noon, with Sieyes and Du- 
cos, who were soon followed by Bonaparte, 
Berthier, Murat, Marmont and the staff. 
The court of the castle and the village were 
filled with spectators. At half past two the 
council of ancients formed in the chamber 
called the gallery. A motion was made to 
inquire into the cause of their removal, but 
this was superseded by a demand to know if 
the directory and the council of five hundred 
were also assembled, as by the constitution 
they must reside in the same commune. La- 
garde, the secretary, replied, that four of the 
directors had resigned, and that a fifth was 
under military guard.. ..this letter was 
transmitted to the other council. At this in- 
stant Bonaparte entered the hall, and the 
whole council listened to him with profound 
silence. " Your solicitude," said he, " for 
the salvation of your country, has called mc 
before you. I will not dissemble, .for I will 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 209 

Speak always with the frankness of a soldier. 
You stand on a volcano, but you may depend 
on our devoted attachment. I have come 
here with my brave companions in arms. 
Crowned as they are with victory, they pre- 
sent to you that security which is the result 
of the services v/hich they have done their 
Country. To what purpose is it to talk of 
Ceesar or Cromwell, and of a military govern- 
ment? If we are invited by your confidence, 
we shall know how to justify it. It is also 
proper to declare to you that vigorous mea- 
sures are necessary. Plots are at this mo- 
ment in existence ; crimes are hatching; nor 
are your dangers those alone with which you 
are immediately threatened. The minister of 
police has just received the most disastrous 
news from La Vendee, announcing the pro- 
gress of the rebels^ and the reduction of se- 
veral townsi Let us not be divided. Asso- 
ciate your wisdom to the force which Sur- 
rounds me. I will be nothing but the devo- 
ted arni of the tepublick." One of the mem- ^ 
bers added, " And of the constitution!" 
" The constitution," resumed Bonaparte, 
" Does it become you to invoke the constitu- 
tion ? Have you not trodden it under your 
feet? The constitution! Is it any thing else 
than a pretext and cloak for all manned of 
tyranny? Has not every species of tyranny 
been exercised in its name from the day of 
its establishment ? Who can in future be gua- 

D D 



250 THE HISTORY OF 

ranteed by it ? Is not its insufficiency attest- 
ed by the numerous outrages committed un- 
der its sanction by the very people who are 
swearing a contemptuous fideUty to it? All 
the rights of the people have been atrocious- 
ly violated under the mask of a regard for 
the constitution ; it is for your wisdom and 
firmness to re-establish' those sacred rights, 
and to use means for the salvation of the 
country. The time for putting a period to 
these disasters is now come. You have 
charged me to present you with the means. 
Had I harboured personal designs, or views 
of usurpation, I should not have waited until 
this day in order to realize them. Before 
my departure, and since my return, I have 
foeen solicited by the heads of different parties 
to take possession of the pviblick authority. 
IBarras and Moulins proposed to me to seize 
the government, but I repulsed such over- 
tures, because liberty is dearer to me than 
life, and because I wish to serve the French 
people only. I could make discoveries 
which would instantly confound the greater 
part of my calumniators, but it is unnecessa- 
ry ; I only declare to you that as soon as the 
danger shall be past, I will abdicate the com- 
mand which has been confided to me. I will 
be the supporting arm only of the magistracy 
whom you may think proper to nominate." 

Bonaparte now retired from the hall and 
addressed the soldiers and people : " Turn'* 
said he, " your bayonets against me, when- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 2 1 1 

ever you find me an enemy to liberty, but if 
any person dare pronounce against me the 
words " Hors la loi^''^ the thunder of war 
shall crush him instantly : remember that I 
march accompanied by the divinity of Fortune 
and the God of War." Having returned to the 
hall, he declared that if it were necessary he 
would name the conspirators. " It is time to 
speak out," said he, " and I have no designs 
which I wish to keep secret. I am not the 
instrument of any faction, I am the servant 
of the French people. The constitution too 
often violated, is utterly inadequate to the 
salvation of the people. It is indispensably 
necessary to have recourse to means fitted to- 
carry into execution the sacred principles of 
the sovereignty of the people, civil liberty, 
freedom of speech as of thought ; and in a 
word, the realization of ideas hitherto only 
chimerical. Since my arrival," continued 
Bonaparte, " every magistrate, and every 
publick functionary with whom I have con- 
versed, have given me the most perfect con- 
viction that the constitution, so often violat- 
ed, and continually disregarded, is on the 
brink of ruin ; that it offers no guarantee to 
the French, because it has no diapason. Eve- 
ry faction is persuaded of this truth, and 
each is disposed to take advantage of the fall 
of the present government ; all have had re- 
course to me, all have been anxious to gain 
me over to their respective interests. I have 
thought it my duty to join myself to the coun^ 



212 THE HISTORY OF 

cil of ancients alone, the first body of the 
repubhck. I repeat that this council cannot 
take too speedy measures, if it be desirous 
to stop the movements which in a moment, 
perhaps, may destroy liberty. Recollect 
yourselves, citizens representatives, I have 
just spoken openly to you truths which no 
one has ventured to whisper. The means of 
saving the country are in your hands. If 
you hesitate to make use of them, if liberty 
perish, you will be accountable for its de- 
struction to the world, to posterity, to your 
own families, and to France." 

Having concluded his address, Bonaparte 
withdrew, leaving them to deliberate on what 
he had said. At 4 o'clock the council was 
resolved into a committee, and at 5 adjourn- 
ed until 9 the same evening. 

The council of five hundred opened 
its sitting in the Orangery, about one 
o'clock, P. M. of which 45 members only 
were absent. The proces verbal being read, 
Gaudin rose and moved that a commission of 
seven members should niake a report on the 
situation of the state, propose such measures, 
as should be deemed necessary for the pub- 
lick interest, and that the council should sus- 
pend all deliberations till the report was pre- 
sented. No sooner had he finished his 
speech, than the jacobin members began to 
vociferate : a bas les dictateurs ! la consfituti' 
on de Van 3, ou la mort ! les baioimettcs tie. 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 



nous effi'ayent pas : nous saurons inourir a no- 
ire paste ! do%vn with the dictators ! the con- 
stitution of the third year, or death ! bayonets 
do not affright us : we know how to die at our 
postP^ some of them moving for a message to 
the council of ancients, to know the motives 
of the translation; others for the renewal of 
the oath of fidelity to the constitution. When 
the first tumult had ceased, the proposition 
for the renewal of the oath was formally 
made by Grandmaison, and carried; the 
whole of the members rising and exclaiming 
^' Five la Constitution .'" When the swear- 
ing was finished, which occupied nearly two 
hours, the secretary read a letter from Ber- 
goeng, who sent in his resignation ; and two 
messages from the council of ancients, in-- 
forming the council of five hundred of their 
being installed, and of their suspending 
their deliberations till they received similar in- 
formation from themselves. A motion was 
then made and adopted, that notice of the in- 
stallation of the council at St. Cloud should 
be sent to the directory. 

The council of five hundred had just 
finished individually taking an oath to. 
defend the constitution, when Bonaparte 
presented himself at the door of the assem- 
bly, without a hat and unarmed, accompani- 
ed by a few officers and four grenadiers with- 
out arms. He advanced a few paces into the 
room, as if wishing to address the council :. 
the whole of them was instantlv ill motion. 



S14 THE HISTORY OF 

He was assailed by cries from different parts 
of the chamber of, a bas le tyrant ! hors la 
loi ! a bas le dictateur ! tuez le ! tuez le ! down 
with the tyrant ! out-law him ! down with the 
dictator ! kill him ! kill him ! Lucien Bona- 
parte, president, with great difficulty at last 
obtained leave to speak: " The general," 
said he, '' has undoubtedly no other intention 
than to inform the council of the present situ- 
ation of affairs:" here he was interrupted by 
clamours and threats. A great number of 
the members started from their seats, rushed 
towards the door, and loaded him with re- 
proaches. Several of them were armed with 
daggers. While some were pushing him back 
and menacing his life, Aj-ena, one of the 
council, made a blow at him with a poignard, 
which Thome a grenadier parried, and there- 
by received a wound in his arm. Upon this 
general Lefevre, and the grenadiers who 
were behind him, advanced, calling out, Sau^. 
vons mtre general ! gathered round him, and 
led him out of the room. As soon as he was 
gone, Lucien left the chair, and descending 
to the tribune : " After the services," said 
he, " my brother has rendered to the re-: 
publick, it is abominable to suppose he has 
any views hostile to liberty. What French- 
man has given greater pledges of his attache 
ment to the state ? He came, no doubt, to 
give some important information relative to 
the present circumstances ; I demand that he 
be called to the bar of the council." The 



NAPOLEON Son AP AUTE . 215 

tumult drowned his voice ; numberless moti- 
ons succeeded each other ; some for annul- 
ling the decree of the ancients, which named 
Bonaparte general; others for leaving St. 
Cloud, and repairing to Paris ; others for 
naming another general to take the command 
of all the troops, who should be called the 
guard of the councils : some reproached the 
soldiers who remained at the door, and others 
continued their invectives against the pre si-* 
dent. Lucien Bonaparte, after attempting 
in vain to speak, deposed his robe, cloak and 
scarf on the the table, declaring that he di- 
vested himself of the presidency. This rais- 
ed the jacobins to a higher pitch of exaspe- 
ration; several members of that party ga- 
thered round him and presented pistols, ta 
force him to resume his robe. Amidst this 
disorder, twenty grenadiers sent by Bona- 
parte, appeared at the foot of the tribune, 
and placing him between them, conducted 
him in safety to the court of the palace. The 
president found the general on horseback ha- 
ranguing his soldiers. " Soldats," said he, 
" une trentaine de factieux ont leve sur moi 
leurs poignards ; ils ont voulu me mettre hors 
la loi ! Hors la loi, moi que tous les rois con- 
jures de I'Europe n'ont jamais pu y mettre !" 
" Soldiers, thirty factious members have 
raised their poignards against your general, 
and threatened to out-law him ! Me whom 
the combined kings of Europe have not been 
able to reach with their arms !" The soldiers 



216 THE HISTORY OF 

heard him with interest and attention ; they 
all seemed disposed to serve him, and the pre- 
sence of Lucien, on horseback, and who 
addressed them, increased and legalised this 
disposition. " Soldiers of the republick," 
said Lucien Bonaparte, with great animati- 
on, " the immense majority of the council of 
five hundred are, at the moment I am speak- 
ing, under terror from a few representatives 
armed with poignards, who are besieging the 
tribune, and threatening their colleagues with 
death ! These desperate ruffians have risen 
in rebellion against the council of ancients, 
and dared to menace with oudawry the gene- 
ral who was charged with the execution of 
their decree. I confide to you warriors, to 
whom I speak, the care of delivering the 
majority of your representatives from the op- 
pression which they are under, that they may 
deliberate peaceably on the destiny of the re- 
publick. General, and you soldiers, you 
will acknowledge as legislators of France none 
but such as shall rally around me. As for 
those who remain in the Orangery, let force 
expel the mad assembly; they are no longer 
representatives of the people, but represen- 
tatives of the poignard." He terminated his 
harangue with the shout of Five la Republiqiie ! 
which was re-echoed by the soldiers and all 
the spectators. The speech of the president 
of the council had created stronger emotions, 
and furnished more determined motives to the 
soldiers, than that of the general ; who per- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 217 



ceiving their alacrity, and being sanctioned 
by the president, ordered a corps of grena- 
diers to march forward, who instantly obey- 
ed him. The council of five hundred was 
at that moment listening to a motion for the 
recall of the president, when the voice of the 
speaker was drowned in the sound of the 
drums beating the pas de charge. The spec- 
tators instantly rushed out of the doors and 
windows. The members rose, a great ma- 
jority of them vociferating, " Vivent la Re- 
publique et la constitution de Van 3me. Long 
live the republick, and the constitution of the 
3d year ! The soldiers entered the hall, car- 
rying their arms, and halted. A chief of 
brigade of cavalry invited the members to 
withdraw, saying, Citizens representatives, I 
invite you to retire: there is no longer any safe- 
ty in this place : I have orders to clear the halL 
The grenadiers then advanced, and filled the 
first half of the hall. The other half was 
occupied by the deputies who had not yet re- 
tired. The military halted a moment to per- 
mit them to walk out. An officer seeing their 
hesitation, mounted the tribune, and ex- 
claimed : Citoyens representans, je vous i?ivite 
a vous retirer ; le general Bonaparte a donne des 
ordres : Citizens representatives, I invite you to 
retire ; general B&naparte has given the order. 
The constitutionalists stood firm, and one of 
them exclaimed, " What are you, soldiers ? 
You are the guardians only of the national 

Ee 



218 THE HISTORY OF 

representation.. ..and you dare to menace its 
safety and independence ! Is it thus you tar- 
nish the laurels which you have acquired? I 
conjure you in the name of liberty, not to fol-. 
low yotir leaders, who aim at the destruction 
of the republick. Murat immediately called 
out. Grenadiers Jo rward! The pas de charge 
was renewed, the grenadiers advanced, and 
drove the members with the bayonet through 
all the avenues, v/indows and doors of the 
hall. At night both the legislative bodies 
assembled again at St. Cloud, but of the 
five hundred scarcely two thirds were present. 
The latter at last decreed " that the directo- 
ry had ceased to exist ; that the provisional 
government of the state should be committed 
to Sieyes, Roger Ducos and general Bona- 
parte, who should bear the title of consuls ; 
arid that 25 members, chosen from the two 
legislative bodies before their adjournment, 
should be added to them as a subordinate 
council of state." At 1 o'clockof thenext morn- 
ing the council of ancients announced their 
approbation of the decree. The three con- 
suls were then introduced and took the oaths 
of fidelity to the sovereignty of the people. 

The following proclamation had been issu- 
ed whilst the councils were sitting : 

PROCLAMATION OF GEN. BONAPARTE. 

" Ten at night. 
*' On iny return to Paris, I found a division reigning amongst 
all the .constituted authorities. There was no agreement biit 
on this single poiot...,th8kt the constitution was half destroyed^ 



NAPOLEON- BONAPARTE. ^19 



and could by no means effect the salvation of our liberties. 
All the parties came to me, confided to me their designs, un- 
veiled their secrets, and demanded my support, I refused:to 
be a man of any party. The council of ancients invited me» 
and I answered to their call. A plan of general restoration had 
been concerted by men in whom the nation is accustomed to 
see the defenders of its freedom and equality, and of property. 
This plan demanded a calm and liberal examination, free from 
every influence and fear. The council of ancients resolved in 
consequence, that the sittings of the legislative body should be 
removed to St. Cloud, and charged me with the disposition of 
the force necessary to secure its independence. I owed it my 
fellow-citizens, to the soldiers who are perishing in our armies' 
and to the national glory, acquired at the price of their blood 
to accept of the command. The councils being assembled at 
St. Cloud, the republican troops guaranteed their safety from 
without ; but within, assassins had established the reign of 
terror. Several members of the council of five hundred, arm- 
ed with poignards and fire-arms, circulated around them nothing 
but menaces of death. The plans which were about to be de- 
veloped were laid aside, the majority was disorganized, the 
most intrepid orators were disconcerted, and the inutility of 
every .wise proposition was made evident. I bore my indigna" 
tion and my grief to the council of ancients, I demanded of 
them to insure the execution of their generous designs. I 
represented to them the maladies of their country, from which 
those designs originated. They joined themselves with me, 
by giving new testimonies of their uniform wishes. I then re- 
paired to the council of five hundred without amis, and my 
head uncovered, such.as I had been received and applauded by 
the ancients. I wished to recall to the majority their wishes, 
and to assure them of their power. The poignards which threat- 
ened the deputies, were instantly raised against their deliverer.! 
Twenty assassins threw themselves upon me, and sought my 
breast. The grenadiers of the legislative body, whom 1 had 



220 THE HISTORY- OF 



left at ihe door of the hall, caine up and placed themselves be- 
tween me and iry assassins. One of these brave grenadiers, 
named Thome, had his clothes stuck through with a dagger. 
They succeeded in bearing me away. At this time the cry of 
*' Outlaw !" was rai;:ed against the defender of the law. It was 
the ferocious cry of assassins against the force which was des- 
tined to restrain them. They pressed around the president, 
threatened him to his face, and with arms in their hands, or- 
dered him to decree me out of the protection of the law. Be- 
ing informed of this circumstance, I gave orders to rescue him 
from their power, and six grenadiers of the legislative body 
brought him out of the hall. Immediately after, the grenadiers 
of the legislative body entered at the }ias de charge into the 
hall, and caused it to be evacuated. The factious were inti- 
midated, and dispersed themselves. The majority, released 
from their blows, entered freely and peaceably into the hall of 
sitting, heard the propositions which were made to them for 
the publick safety deliberated, and prepared the salutary reso- 
lution which is to become the new and provisional law of the 
republick. Frenchmen ! you will recognize undoubtedly 
in this conduct, the zeal of a soldier of liberty, and of a citi- 
ten devoted to the republick, The ideas of preservation, pro- 
tection, and freedom immediately resumed their places, on 
the dispersion of the faction who wished to oppress the coun- 
dls, and who in making themselves the most odious of men> 
never cease to be the most contemptible. 

« BONAPARTE." 

The consuls returned to Paris about 4 o'clock 
in the morning of the 20th, eleventh, and were 
received with every testimony of satisfaction 
and applause ; they imm^ediately entered up- 
on their functions : the republican seal was 
changed, newspapers printed and sent to all 
the departments, detailing these events, and 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 221 

an address to the same purport with that 
promulged in the evening at St. Cloud, read 
by torch-Hght. 

During Bonaparte's address to the anci- 
ents, when he said " We will have a repub- 
lick and liberty," he was interrupted by a 
voice exclaiming, " Who will answer for it?'* 
" Grenadiers," said he, turning to the sol- 
diers, " Did I ever deceive you when I pro- 
mised you victory ?" The phrase which he 
used in one of his addresses...." Fortune and 
the God of War," made an unfavourable im- 
pression upon the ancients...." I had worked 
up my passions," said he, " and I concluded 
with a bad phrase. The French are judges 
of propriety : I had no sooner pronounced 
the words, than a murmur made me feel 
them. But what could I do ? I was spoiled 
on the road: they so often repeated these 
words to me all the way from Marseilles to 
Paris, that I could not obliterate them." Imme- 
diately after the 19th, tenth, several officers of 
the navy, and in the naval department, were pre- 
sented to Bonaparte and Ducos : the former 
remarked ; " The seamen are brave and ex- 
perienced. The misfortunes with which 
they have met, are to be attributed to the 
bad management of the naval department on- 
ly ; the captains have not sufficient means to 
cause their authority to be respected; too 
much lenity has encouraged insubordination 
in the crews. On land undisciplined valour 
may sometimes be victorious ; at sea, never." 



THE HI STOP. Y OF 



The consuls were sooii presented wTtli'a 
pattern of a^new di^ss. - It was composed of 
a-coat of white velvet embroidered with gold, 
buttoned to the waist, light blue pantaloons, 
the sword belt over the icoat, the sword to 
hang perpendicularly to the side, with red 
boots -ivnd cap. It was observed to Bonaparte 
that a red cap would not become him, he re- 
plied, " No more than red heels." 

On the 21st Brumaire, November twelfth, 
\Bonaparte" entertained Thome, at his own ta- 
ble, to dinner; and Madame Bonaparte pre- 
sented him with a diamond worth 2,000 
crowns. The provisionary government abo- 
lished the odious and oppressive laws rela- 
ting to forced loans and hostages ; adopted a 
new system of finance; repealed the decrees 
against the priests, and annulled the code of 
laws vv^ith respect to prizes, neutral vessels, 
-:&c. Fifty-nine of the jacobin deputies were 
ordered to be banished, but this was changed 
lo placing them, under the care of the police, and 
not long after was altogether abrogated. ...the 
emigrants confined in the castle of Ham were 
.liberatedi...the body of the old Pope, which 
remained unburied at Valence, was ordered 
to be interred with all the honours due to his 
rank»...and a variety of lenient, mild and just 
measures were executed, which presaged the 
happiest effects from the operations of the new 
government. The policy which was evinced 
in the interment of the Pope, and the intrinsic, 
merit of the decree, demands its insertion :.«> 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 225 

DECREE- TO BURY THE POPE. 
" The consuls of the republick considering that for the last 
six months, the body of ; Pitis .6th has been deposited in the 
city of Valence, without giving to it the honours of sepulture 
....that though this old man, reputable for his misfortunesy 
was for a moment the enemy of France, he was so only frora 
being seduced by the counsels of those who surrounded him 5 
and that it belongs to the dignity of the French nation, and is 
conformable to the sensibility of the national character, to 
give some marks of consideration to a man who occupied one 
of the first stations on earth. ...Decree 1st, that the minister 
of the interior take care that the body of Pius 6lh be interred 
with the honours due to his rank.. ..2d, That there be erected 
at the place of his sepulture, a simple monument, making; 
known the dignity with which he was invested." 

The commissions and consuls were also 
employed in the formation of a new consti- 
tution, which was adopted on the 23d Fri- 
maire, December thirteenth, and published 
at Paris on the 25th, fifteenth ; by this con- 
stitution the whole direction of public affairs 
was delivered to Bonaparte, and his power 
was unrestrained and illimitable. He was 
declared first consul, Cambaceres and Le- 
brun were his associates in the consulship.... 
Talleyrand became foreign minister.. ..Berthier 
minister of war, and Fouche of the police. 
The palace of the Thuiiieries, in which 
Louis XVI. and Marie Antoinette had figur- 
ed, was now filled by the consul, who resi- 
ded in the same apartments. Sieyes and Du- 
ces, Cambaceres andLebrun, nominated the 
senate. ...their choice was une;icepdoaable. 



224 THE HISTORY OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 



The tribunate and legislative body were im- 
mediately selected, and the council of state 
was appointed by Bonaparte himself: the in- 
tegrity and talents which distinguished this 
body, gave ample proof of the consul's dis- 
crimination and judgment. 



Bonaparte during his Consulate. 



THE consuls having entered upon their 
duties under the new form of government, 
officially notified that circumstance to the con- 
servative senate on the 7th Nivose, December 
twenty-seventh. Previous to which Bona- 
parte addressed the following letter to the 
king of Great-Britain :.... 

French Republick... .Sovereignty of the pEbPLie* 
Liberty.. , .Equality, 

BoviAPARfE^ First Consul of the Kefiublick^ to his Majesty the 
King of Great-Britain and Ireland. 

Pai'is, 5th Nivose, December twenty-fifth^ 
8th year of the Republick. 

" Called by the wishes of the French nation to occupy the 
first magistracy of the republick, I think it proper on enter- 
ing into office, to make a direct communication of it to your 
majesty. Must the war, which for eight years has ravaged 
the four quarters of the world, be eternal ? Are there no 
means to bring it to an issue ? How can the two most enlight- 
ened nations of Eiirope, powerful and stron>i; beyond what 
their safety and independence require, sacrifice to ideas of 
vain greatness the benefits of commerce, internal prosperityj 

E E 



'225 THE HISTORY OF 



social and individual liappiness ? Can they not feel tliat peace 
is as glorious as it is necessary? These sentiments cannot be 
foreign lo the heart of your majesty, who reigns over a free 
nation, and Avlth the sole view of rendering it happy. Your 
majesty 'vvill see only in this overt\ire, my sincere desire to 
contribute efficaciously for the second time to a general pacifi- 
cation, by a step, , speedy» entirely of confidence, and disen- 
gaged fi-om those forms which, necessary perhaps to disguise 
the dependence of weak states, prove only in those which 
are strong, the mutual desire of deceiving each other. France 
and England, by the abuse of their strength, may still for a 
long time, for the misfortune of all countries, retard the perf- 
od of their being exhausted ; but I will venture to say, that 
the fate of every civilized nation is attached to the termination 
of a war which involves the whole world in its destructive vor- 
tex. 

BONAPARTE." 

The answer of lord Grenville to this note 
was evasive.. ..it departed from general princi- 
ples.. ..and evinced pedantry, passion and pe- 
tulance. Its substance was that Bonaparte 
was not a person with whom the British 
could treat; that he should declare himself 
an usurper; retract the principles which he 
asserted, and resign the station which he 
held to the Bourbon family. A similar at- 
tempt to negociate proved ineffectual, and it 
was evident that the war must be continued. 
Bonaparte, with his usual energy, prepared , 
to conquer a peace, as it could not other- 
wise be attained. 

The war in La Vendee, which had assum- 
ed ah alarming aspect, received the consul's 
attentipn, and a force which consisted of 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 227 



nearly 60,000 men, under general Brune, 
was sent to quell the disturbances ; the most 
decided measures were at once adopted, and 
the Chouans immediately proposed an accom- 
modation. The consul addressed the insur- 
gents in the following manner : 

BONAPARTE, FIRST CONSUL. 

Paris ^ JVivoee 5(h, December tnventy.-Jifth^ 
^th year of the Re^iublick. 
" An impious war threatens, a second time, to inflame the 
departments of the west. It becomes the duty of the first ma- 
gistrates of the republick to arrest its progress, and effectually 
to extinguish it. But they are loath to employ force until they 
have exhausted the means of persuasion and justice. The au- 
thors of those troubles are the senseless partisans of two men 
who have no honour, and who neither derive their rank from 
their virtues, nor their misfortunes from their atchievements. 
They are farther traitors sold to the English, or robbers who 
foment civil discord as th«* only means of sheltering them from 
the punishment du^ to their crimes. — With such men it is not 
the duty of government to keep any measures, or to make any 
declaration of its principles. It is to citizens dear to their 
country, who are seduced by their arts : it is to these, citizen* 
that the light of the truth is due. 

« Uujust laws have been promulgated and executed ; ar- 
bitrary acts have alarmed the security of the citizens, and the 
liberty of conscience. Every where random inscriptions on 
the list of emigrants have struck citizens, who had never quit- 
ted their country or even their homes. In a word, the great 
principles of social order have been violated. 

"It is to remedy fully these acts of injustice, and these 
errors, that a government founded on the sacred basis of liber- 
ty, equality, and a system of representation, has been pro- 
claimed and recognized by the_ nation. The constant in- 



228 THE HISTORY OF 

clination, as well as ihe interest and the glory of the first ma- 
gistrates, whom the nation has given to itself, will be to close 
all the wounds of France : and never yet has this disposition 
been falsified by any act originating with them. 

" The disastrous law of the forced loan, and the still more 
disastrous law of hostages have been repealed. Individuals 
exiled without trial have been restored to their country and to 
their families. Every day has been and shall be marked, by 
deeds of justice. The council of state labours incessantly for 
the reformation of bad laws, and for a better arrangement to 
raise the publick contributions. 

*' The consuls declare, moreover, that the liberty of religi- 
ous worship is guaranteed by the constitution ; that no magis<« 
trate dare to offer it any violence ; that no man dares to say 
to another^ — you Sihall exercise such and such a mode of wor- 
ship, on such and siich a day. 

"The law of the twentieth of May, 1795, which leaves ta 
the citizens the free use of the edifices destined to religious 
purposes, shall be faithfully fulfilled. All the departments 
ought to be equally under the authority of general laws. But 
the first magistrates will extend their especial cares, and take 
a particular interest in the agriculture, manufactures and com- 
merce of those who have suffered the greatest calamities. 
Government will pardon and shew grace to the penitent. Their 
forgiveness and indulgence will be unlimited. But it will strike 
those who, after this declaration, shall dare to resist the sover* 
eign will of the nation. 

« Frenchmen? inhabitants of the departments of the west, 
rally round the constitution! which invests the magistrates 
whom it has created with the power, and made it their duty 
to protect their citizens j which secures them equally from 
the instability of the la,ws, and from their severity. Let those 
who wish the prosperity of France separate themselves from 
those who persist in their efforts to seduce them, that they may 
deliver tiiein over to the chains of tyranny and the doiuinatiota 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 229 

of the stranger. Let the good inhabitants of the country re- 
turn to their fire-sides, and resume their useful labours. And 
let them be on their guard against the insinuations of those who 
would throw them again into feudal slayery. If, after all the 
measures just taken by government, there should yet be found 
men daring enough to provoke a civil war, there would remain 
to the chief magistrates the melancholy lut necessary duty on- 
ly of subduing them by force. But we even all of us, will 
henceforth feel only one sentiment : the love of our country. 
The ministers of the god of peace will be the first movers of 
reconciliation and concord. I^et them speak to their hearts the. 
language which they have learnt in the school of their master. 
Let them repair to the temples, again opened to them, to offer, 
together with their fellow-citizens, the sacrifice which will ex- 
piate the crimes of war, and the blood which has been shed." 

On the same day Bonaparte issued a pro- 
clamation to the soldiers : 

<' In promising peace to the French nation, I was your organ , 
I know your valour. You are the men who have conqured 
Holland, the Rhine, Italy, and made peace under the walls of 
terrified Vienna. 

" Soldiers it is no longer your business to defend your fron- 
tiers : you are now to invade the states of your enemies. 
There is not one among you who has made different campaigas, 
but who knows that the most essential duty of a soldier, is 
with patience and constancy to suffer privations. Several years 
of a bad government are not to be repaired in one day. 

" It will be a pleasure to me, in the character of first ma- 
gistrate, to proclaim to the nation the corps, which by its dis- 
cipline and valour, shall best deserve to be hailed aa the sup- 
port of its country. 

" Soldiers, in due time, I shall be in the midst of you ; and 
^tonished Europe shall recollect that you are a race of brave 
men." 



-2f^^^^-"- - "THE HISTORY OE.:r-^,-^, -..-.. 

;^p^^ .,J*fM;senat^ 'd was involved in 

. ., . .a contest with Bonaparte, respecting the sur- 
, render of Napper Tandy iand his companions 
,, ., , to the British govejnment. ...they wrote him a 
submissive letter, filled with apologies, ex- 
penses 3,|iid congratulations... .his^ reply was 
dated Niyose 10th, December 30th. 

« We have received your letter, gentlemen. It is no justi- 

•fication of your conduct. It is by virtue and courage that states 

? t r .4irei|>reserved5:' cpwardipe and vice prove their ruin. You have 

..'.Tji'k' violated the laws of hospitality ; such a violation vi^ould not 

-'<3 IH hate taken place among the barbarian hordes of the desert. 

,!v'rf-;Your? ftllowvcitizens will impute it to you as an eternal re- 

, pj'oach. 

" The two unfortunate men, whom you have given up, will 
die illustrious ; but their blood will be a source of greater evils 
to their persecutors than could be bi'ought upon them by a 
whole army." 

The departments not being perfectly traii- 
X]uii, Bonaparte addressed them again on the 
22d Nivose, January eleventh, 1800: 

fSroj « Every thing that reason could suggest, the government 

has done to restore peace and tranquillity to your dwellings. 
After long forbearance, still farther time has been granted for 
i'epentancel A great number of citizens have been brought 
to a sense of their errors, and ha:Ve rallied round the govern- 
ment, which, without hatred qr revenge, without fear or sus- 
picion, protects all citizens alike, and punishes those who des- 
pise their duty. There no longer remain any in arms against 
France, except some men without jFaith, as withput country, 
somepei^dious instruments pf a. forjei§njF(j)e,_ pr brigands, black 
with guilt, whom indulgence itself knows not how ,jtp pardon. 
The safety of the state, and the security of the citizens require 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 231 



that such'nieh should perish by t4e.swmxlr *iid,ial^.undev -the^^^^^„^^^^^^ 
axe of natural justice. A loiiger forbearan^fo: would be a tri- 
umph to the enemies of the republic. — A vaiianr, fome Waits 
the signal only to disperse and destroy thfese brigands, if that 
signal must be given. National guards join th^fQiPce'qflybCfv 
arms to that of the troops of the line. If you know among 
you any partisans of the brigands ai'restthem. Let tbem no r 
where find an asylum against the soldier who pursues them. 
And if there be any traitors who should dare to receive and 
defend them, let them perish along with them ! Inhabitants of 
the departments of the west, on this last effort depend the 
tranquillity of your tountty, the safety of your families, and ! 
the security of your property. By the same blow you v/ill 
destroy those wretches who strip you, and the enemy who 
purchase and pay for their crimes.'* 

The army and the royalists opposed each 
other m a few skirmishes,, btit the latter were 
always unsuccessful, and on the 27th Pluvi- 
ose, February fifteenth, a general pacificati- 
on was concluded.... and by the execution of 
Frotte, the only chief who was not included 
in the convention, and who was soon after ^^ 
discovered in an old castle.. ..the royalist par- 
ty was entirely annihilated. 

The installation of the consuls took place 
on the IstVentose, February nineteenth, with . 
immense pomp.. ..the termination of the rebelli- 
on and the rejection of Bonaparte's pacificover- 
tures by England and Austria, were announc- 
ed at the same time. The following procla- 
mation, which was published a few days af- 
ter the, ceremony, evinced that the war was to ' 
be- continued with unparallelled vigour: 



533 THB HISTORY OF 



PROCLAMATION 

Of the Consuls of the Refiublick to the French. 

" Pai-ia, Ventose 17, March seventh. 

«' FueifCHMEH) 

<* You are desirous of peace ; your government are desirous 
of it with still greater ardour. Their first wishes, their perse- 
vering measures have been for peace. The English minister 
repels it : the English minister has betrayed the secret of his 
horrible system of politics. To ravage France, to destroy her 
ports ; to efface her from tlie map of Europe, or to degrade 
her to the rank of a secondary power ; to keep all the nations 
of the continent divided, that she may get possession of the 
commerce of all, and to enrich herself by their spoils ; it is 
to obtain these frightful successes, that England is prodigal of 
gold, profuse of promises, and that she multiplies intrigues. 

But neither the gold, nor the promises, nor the intrigues of 
England, will chain to her views the powers of the continent- 
They have heard the wish of France ; they know the modera- 
tion of tJ'iC principles which guide her ; they will listen to the 
voice of humanity, and the powerful voice of their interest. 

Were it otherwise, the government which has not feared to 
offer and solicit peace, will remember that it is for you to 
command it. To command it we must have money, iron and 
soldiers. 

Let all make haste to pay the tribute which they owe to tlie 
common defence ; let the young citizens march. It is no 
longer for factions.... it is no longer for the choice of tyrants 
that they are going to arm ; it is for the guarantee of all which 
is most dear to them; itis for the honour of France, and it is for 
the sacred interests of humanity and of liberty. Already have 
the armies resumed that attitude, the promise and the pre- 
sage of victory... at the sight of them. ...at the sig-ht of the 
whole nation united in the same interests and in the same wish- 
es, be assured Frenchmen, that you will have no more 
enemies upon the continent. The first consul has promised 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 23$ 

peace ; he will go and conquer it at the head of those warriors 
whom he has more than once led to victory. With them he 
will know how to find again those fields still full of the remem* 
brance of their exploits ; yet in the midst of battle, he will 
still invoke peace, and he swears to fight only for the happi- 
.iiess of France, and the repose of the world 1" 

A decree was also published, that an ar- 
.my of reserve should be raised; that it should 
^consist of sixty thousand conscripts, and as- 
;semble at Dijon, the conaul .himself being 
•commander in chief. 

The campaign of 1800 was a combined 
operation and included the war both in Ger- 
.many and Italy. General Moreau command- 
ed on the Rhine, and by the success which 
accompanied his exertions, and the skill 
which he displayed during that contest, he has 
immortalized his memory,„;the ;h^ro of Ho- 
henlinden hastened the peace of Luneville. 

The different bodies of troops intended for 
the army of reserve immediately marched, 
,and were speedily united in one bpdy : on. 
the 1st rioreal, April twentieth, Berthier 
assumed the coroimand until Bonaparte's arri- 
-val.i.. this army ivas composed of 50,000 men, 
and was intended to overthrow thieprepon^ 
derance which the Austrians had acquired in 
Italy. At the commencement of the campaign 
the troops under Massena who had been ap- 
pointed to the command of that station, ,were 
diminished by sickness and desertion, to 
about 25,000 men.. ..whilst Melas, the Ausiri- 

Gg 



254 THE HISTORY OT 

an general, was at the head of 70,000 infan» 
try and a large body of cavalry. The French 
general concentrated his forces near Genoa, 
the possession of which was of the last im- 
portance. ...but after a series of bloody conflicts, 
with the immense superiority of force against 
which he contended, he retired into the city 
and its neighbouring forts ; and although 
blockaded by lord Keith's fleet on the water, 
and obliged to combat the Austrians without 
cessation, and by which defence he has ele- 
vated himself to a very exalted rank among 
the terrifick sons of Mars, he resisted every 
summons and attempt until Melas converted 
the siege into a blockade : here he continued 
until his provisions were entirely exhau-sted, 
the horses and dogs almost consumed, and the 
army a;nd inhabitants nearly two hundred 
thousand souls, perishing for want of food. 

Massena at length I'eceived a letter from Me- 
las, inviting him to an interview with lord 
Keith, and the generals Otto and St. Juliany 
who off'ered him a capitulation on the most 
honourable terms. To this first overture he 
replied, that he would consider of the proposal. 
On the day after he received another message 
with the same terms: upon which he sent adju- 
tant-general Andreaux, under pretence of 
some business relating to the prisoners, to 
Rivoli, to receive their message, and to en- 
ter without any farljier delay into a negoci- 
ation. 



NAPOLEON BOM APAl^TE. 235 



The first article of capitulation proposed 
by the allies was, that the army should re- 
turn to France, but that the general should 
remain prisoner of war....'' You, sir," said 
lord Keith to Massena, " Are worth 20,000 
men.'^ But Massena said, " that no nego- 
ciation could be commenced if the word capi- 
tulation were once introduced." On the 
fourth of June the allied generals, having de- 
parted from their first proposal, resumed the 
negociations, and the principal articles for the 
evacuation of Genoa were agreed onbetweeri 
the parties. It was settled that the chiefs of the 
opposite armies should meet on the day after, 
being the 5th of June, to ^ign a definitive 
treaty. Here lord Keith, general Otto, 
with general St, Julian, were met by Massena. 
l^ach of these parties were accpmpanied by 
only two or three gentlemen. 

In this conference Massena displayed 
much finesse under the cloak of an apparent 
gaiety, which formed a complete contrast 
with the gravity of the other cor^tracting parr 
ties, and was attended with this advantage, 
that it did not appear as if he were greatly 
alarmed for the situation of his army: and 
it is perhaps owing to His ease and gaiety 
of manner that he eventually obtained all 
which he demanded. A degree of misunder- 
standing had ^j^isted for some time be- 
tween the English and the Austrian com- 
manders. Tne former reproached the lat- 
ter witb the great length to which the siege 



236 THE HTSTORTOF 

had been protracted. Massena endeavoured 
to widen and to take advantage af this want 
of harmony, by flattering the pride of one par- 
ty at the expence of the self-love of the other. 
He said to lord Keith, " Do you my lord, 
only permit a little grain to be carried into Ge- 
noa, and I give you my word that these gen- 
tlemen (looking at the Austrian generals) 
shall never set foot there." Toward the end 
of the conference he again addressed lord 
Keith, personally : " My lord, if France and 
England could only understand one another, 
they would govern the world." In the whole 
of this conference, lord Keith treated Masse- 
na, as the geneneral often acknowledged, in 
a very polite and handsome manner. His lord- 
ship disclaimed all hard conditions. He al- 
ways said, " General^ the defence which you 
have made has been so heroic, that it is impos-. 
sible to refuse you any thing which you ask." 
In the evening Massena signed the treaty for 
the evacuation of Genoa, and the contracting 
parties mutually gave hostages, The sub- 
Stance of the treaty was, that the French ar- 
my, the commander in chief and staff should 
leave the city with their arms and baggage : 
and Massena was allowed to send a couriei: 
to Bonaparte to aniiounce its surrender. 

During the siege of Genoa, Bonaparte 
had left Paris, and having ordered the army 
of reserve to march and Wait for him at Ge- 
neva, he joined it on the 22d Floreal, May 
eleventh, and on the following day reviewed 



NAPOLEON B0:N-AP ARTE. ^af. 

the vanguard under Lasnes. He halted three 
days only, which were employed in prepar- 
ing for the passage of the Alps, the most as- 
tonishing march performed by a large army 
which is recorded in history. 

At Geneva Bonaparte visited Madame 
Saussure, the widow of the celebrated mi- 
neralogist, and at the Prefect's- house, where 
he supped, he remained standing two hours, 
amusing the company with intei'esting Egyp- 
tian anecdotes. 

The army passed by Martinach, proceeded 
to St. Bronchier, and thence ascended to St. 
Pierre, where the park of artillery was as- 
sembled. The great guns were dismounted, 
placed in hollow trees and dragged by a cer- 
tain number of soldiers acording to their 
weight : the wheels were born upon men's 
shoulders fixed to polfes ; the axle-trees and 
waggons were placed upon sledges, and the 
ammunition packed in boxes, was carried by 
mules. From 600 to 1000 livres were pro- 
mised to each party of soldiers and peasants 
who transported a cannon ; but the former 
nobly refused the reward : the baggage was 
conveyed by the soldiers. The path across 
the mountain is so narrow that two persons 
cannot pass at the same time without the 
danger of being buried in the snow. The 
troops were so fatigued and exhausted, that 
they frequently stopped to eat their biscuit, 
moistened in nothing but snow water. They 
reached the convent of St. Bernard, on the 



238 THE HISTOHY OF 

summit of the mountain, after a march of five 
hours, where each man received some re- 
freshment, and a glass of wine prepared for 
them by the monks, at Bonaparte's expence. 
Arrived at this spot, they had surmounted 
but half their difficulties. ...eighteen miles of a 
rapid descent were yet to be conquered ; im- 
mense chasms' formed l:)y the melting of the 
snow, interrupted their prpgres at every step; 
the horses were with great care preserved 
from being precipitated into the abyss below, 
and a fevv^ were lost ; the men also were not 
^ble in some instances to maintain their standi 
ing, and when such an accident occurred, it 
required all possible exertion to preserve 
themselves and their horses in the path, and 
to save themselves from the gulph, the ap- 
pearance of which was inexpressibly tremen- 
dous. 

Bonaparte rested an hour in the convent, 
but his horses and mules had accompanied 
the army. Some of the foot soldiers had dis- 
covered a short path.. ..as he wished to rejoiu 
the army immediately, he followed their track 
until they found themselves on the brink of a 
precipice two hundred feet deep, and nearly 
perpendicular. The consul gaye the exam- 
ple of a new military mode of descending into 
Italy.. ..seating himself on the snow, at the 
edge of the descent, he glided down, accom- 
panied by his staff and attendants, and in a 
few minutes landed in safety at the bottom. 
The arm^ occupied ten hours in performing 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 239 



the march. On the 27 th Fioreal, May six- 
teenth, Lasnes with the advanced guard took 
possession of Aosta, after a slight skirmish 
with an Hungarian battaUon which was sta- 
tioned therein, and which immediately evacu- 
ated it. They continued their niareh to Cha- 
tillon, where the Austrians were preparing 
to oppose the French at the passage of a 
bridge thrown across the precipice ; but the 
attack was so vigorous that they were soon 
driven from their post, and enclosed them- 
selves in Bard, a fort built on an inaccessi- 
ble rock, in the shape of a sugar loaf, the 
pass at its foot defended by the deep and ra* 
pid Doria, and on the opposite side a large 
steep rock. There was no alternative. i.;the 
fort must be secured, or another passage 
sought. It was defended by five hundred 
men and twenty-two pieces of cannon : the 
suburb was instantaneously filled by French 
grenadiers, and at night the assault was 
made; the assailants climbed up the roeks and 
over the palisades, amidst a shower of balls, 
but were obliged to retreat. By the rock Al- 
baredo another passage was discovered, but 
the artillery could not be transportedo...it was 
therefore resolved to pass the carriages " 
throug^h the suburb. Notwithstanding litter 
was spread to destroy the sound, and to remove 
suspicion, the garrison anticipated the de- 
sign, and many were killed by each discharge. 
This induced Bonaparte to raise a cannon up- 
on the top^of the diureh, v/hich so efiectual* 



;i^40 titE HISTOtlY OF 



-ly battered the gate-tower, that the garrison 
^surrendered at discretion. It was on this oc- 
icasion that Bonaparte was so overcome with 
■fatigue, as to be forced to repose himself up- 
•on the ground, wher-e he slept for two hours ; 
-the troops filing beside him with as little 
noise a;s possible, that he might not be dis* 
curbed, expres ♦'ng only their most unbound- 
'fed and enthusiastick adriiiration and .devotion 
Jto him. Except a flying contest at St. Mar- 
tin, the army experienced no obstruction un- 
tilthey arrived at Ivrea about 24 miles from 
Turin ; that town was captured with 14 
pieces of cannon, by Boudet's division, on the 
4th Prairial, May twenty-third, ere the main 
body had' joined them. Bonaparte instead of 
proceeding to Turin, according to expectati- 
on, marched to Romagno, where 6,000 Aus- 
trians were intrenched behind the Sesia. 
General Lasnes attacked them in their positi^ 
on, and after an obstinate engagement, forced 
them to retreat with great loss. On the 7th, 
twenty-sixth, two divisions marched towards 
Turin, the vanguard advancing to Chiusel- 
la and the Po. General Turreau, who was 
detached from Biancon to join the consul, at- 
tacked the Austrians at Suza, by which he 
gained possession of that town, and Brunetto, 
with 1,500 prisoners, 800 muskets, and a large 
quantity of provisions and ammunition. Mu- 
rat with a division of cavalry immediately en- 
tered Vercelli, where immense army supplies 
of -all kinds were stored. Lasnes with the 



K^APOLEON BONAPARTfi. 941, 



van-guard arrived at Chivasso on the 7th, 
twenty-sixth, and procured an abundance of 
rice and corn from the boats which were na- 
vigating the Po. Here Bonaparte visited 
that division, whilst they were enjoying a lit- 
tle repose after their fatigue ; expressed his 
satisfaction with the courage which they 
had exhibited in the combat at the Se- 
sia, and ordered the chief of brigade to 
say to the 12th regiment of chasseurs : 
*' That he was very much satisfied with 
their behaviour ; that it was owing to the im- 
petuosity of their charge at Chatillon that 
the battle was won ; that the cavalry would 
soon be united ; and that at the next bat- 
tle he wished them to charge the enemy's ca- 
valry, to cure them of their pride and vain 
boasts of being superior to the French ia 
manoeuvres and bravery." 

He said to the 28th of the line, " As a 
proof that their good conduct was highly 
pleasing to him, he would march at the head 
of the van-guard in the next encounter. For 
two years past, said he, you have been pass- 
ing and repassing these mountains, and you 
are stedfast in your duty without murmuring ; 
this is the first quality of a soldier. I know 
that eight months pay was due to you a week 
ago, nevertheless you have not made the 
least complaint." 

The army immediately improved the ad- 
vantages which it had attained ; the French 
Hii 



24S THE HISTORY OF 

occupied Santhia, Crescentino, Brila, Tri- 
no and Masserano, in the plains of Piedmont 
».„they were united with 20,000 men, under 
Moncey, whom general Moreau had detached 
from the Rhine, and who traversed Mounts 
Simplon and St. Gothard, to assist the ope- 
rations of the army of reserve. 

Murat having hahed a short time at Ver- 
celli, proceeded to No vara, which surrender- 
ed with little resistance. On the 10th, May 
twenty-ninth, he received orders to cross the 
Tessino ; which he effected in presence of 
the first consul, after a severe action. The Au- 
strians retired to the village of Turbigo, where 
general Monnier attacked them with great 
impetuosity, and carried it at the point of the 
bayonet. 

The night of the 1 1th, thirtieth, was 
employed in constructing portable bridges, 
on which the next day all the divisions of the 
army passed over, directing their march to 
Milan. General Murat arrived the same day 
before the gates of that city, received the 
keys, and immediately invested the citadel. 

A few hours before the blockade of the 
citadel and the capture of the city, the Aus- 
trian commander persuaded the prince De 
Rohan an emigrant, to depart with his corps 
for Mantua, as he was in so much danger of 
being made a prisoner by the French. " As- 
sured of the honour of Bonaparte," replied the 
prince, " and that of his army, I will aban- 
don myself to fortune.'* 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 24S 

Three hours afterwards, Bonaparte and 
the whole of his staff entered Milan, sur- 
rounded by an immense crowd of people, con- 
tinually exclaiming, " Long live Bonaparte / 
Long live the French /" 

The second entry of Bonaparte into Milan, 
was equally brilliant with his first : and the Au- 
strians being extremely unpopular in that city, 
he endeavoured by his measures to increase 
the aversion.. ..all those who had been im- 
prisoned for their attachment to the French 
were liberated, and the property which had 
been confiscated, was restored to its owners, 
A Te Deum was appointed to celebrate their 
deliverance from the Austrian yoke, and on 
this occasion Bonaparte remarked to the con- 
suls, " Notwithstanding what the atheists of 
Paris may say, I shall to-morrow attend the 
Te Deum to be performed in the metropolitan 
church of this city." The army rested se- 
ven days in Milan.. ..general Duquesne then 
took possession of Lodi ; the Cisalpine legi- 
on seized on Cassano, whilst Lasnes marched 
to Pavia, which' fig captured with 500 pieces 
of cannon and an immense quantity of 
ammunition, on the 17th Prairial, June fifth, 
on which day Genoa surrendered to the 
Austrians, although Qtt had received orders 
to raise the siege immediately. General 
Melas was so confident of the weakness of 
the French that he would not believe Bona- 
parte to be in Italy ; he said, that it was im- 
possible he could have- passed the Alps with 



SU THE HISTORY OF 

an army, when he was not many days be- 
fore in France, and in an intercepted letter 
written to his mistress at Pavia, observed, 
*' They say in Lombardy, that a French ar-. 
my has entered Italy ; but do not be afraid, 
and on no account leave Pavia." This letter 
was written 12 hours only previous to the en^ 
try of the French army. 

General Melas left Turin on the 12th 
Prairial, May thirty-first, to concentrate his 
troops between the fortresses of Piedmont. 
He detached a large body to Placenza, ano-. 
ther to Chivasso, and a third to the Tessino. 
In these positions the French army prepared 
to meet him. 

Murat with his cavalry and one division of 
infantry, hastened to the first bridges of Pla- 
cenza, whilst Lasnes was ordered to effect 
the passage of the Po opposite Stradella. 
The commander of the Cisalpine legion had 
entered Brescia, and nearly captured general 
Laudohn, who was indebted for his safety 
solely to the courage of his escort, In that 
city was found thirty thousand weight of pow- 
der, and a great quantity of military stores. 
Another division of the army occupied Crema 
and Orci-Nuovi, and closely invested the for-^ 
tress of Pizzighitone. 

On the 17th Prairial, June fifth, Moncey 

arrived before Placenza and took possession of 

the bridge ; but the Austrians defending that 

passage with heavy artillery, he was obliged 

■to continue his march. With the aid of Uoata 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 245 

two brigades passed the river, with which he at- 
tacked that city, and took possession of it on 
the l3th, sixth. He found there considerable 
jnagazines, and six hundred prisoners. He 
then defeated a corps of a thousand men 
who were inarching with all dispatch to gar- 
rison the citadel of Placenza. After these 
two actions he ordered the bridge to be re- 
paired. 

The same day Lasnes attained the banks 
of the Po opposite to Stradella. The porta- 
ble bridges having been totally destroyed, the 
general found no remains but a few boats 
which the enemy could not burn, and with 
which he effected a passage for ct brigade and 
a half. At three o'clock, two Austrian regi- 
ments, covered by some pieces of artillery 
assailed the troops which were landed, with 
the greatest impetuosity. The combat was 
obstinate, but the Austrians were at length 
defeated, leaving three hundred killed and 
wounded, and three hundred prisoners. 

During these events, Bonaparte issued 
the following proclamation to the army : 

Milan^ 17 th Prairial, June fifths ^thyear. 

** Soldiers ! One of our departments was in the power of 
tlie enemy ; and consternation prevailed through the whole 
south of France. 

" The greatest part of the territoTy of Liguria, the most 
faithful friend to the republick, was invaded. 

" The Cisalpine republick, annihilated by the last campaign, 
was become the sport of the ancient feudal system. 

f^ You began your march, soldiers .'....and already the French 



216. THE HISTORY OF 

^^zr- .... ■ .•f„ —l:— 1 : 1-1-1- , I , -.n , 

terrilovy is libtn-uted I. ...Joy and hope, in our country, succeed 
to consternation and dismay. 

" You £^;ive liberty and independence to the people of Ge* 
nda. They will be forever deliverid from their enemies. 
« You aie now iu the capital of the Cisalpine rcpublick. 
" The enemy dismayed aspire only to re{;ain their frontiers*^ 
you have captured their stores, their mai^azines and their re- 
served artillery. 

" The first act of the campaip;n is terminated. 
" Millions of men are every day manifesting their gratitud® 
for your services, 

" But, shall the enemy be suffered to violate the French 
territory with impunity ? Will you permit the army to es» 
cape which has spread terror amongst your families ? No, you 
hastened to arms '.....Well then, march to j>;ive them battle ; 
oppose their retreat ; snatch from them the laurels which thejr 
have gained ; and thereby inform the worUl, that the ctirse of 
wiisfortune is sure to fall on those senseless beings, who dare 
to insult the territory of tb.e great nation. 

" The result of your efforts will be unclouded glory, and so* 
lid peace." 

« BONAPARTi:.'* 

Whilst Lasnes with his division was at- 
tempting to pass the Po, the Cisalpine legion 
entered Lecco ; and Duhesne with his troops 
occupied Cremona : he found therein consider- 
able magazines, on which Melas depended 
for the victualling of his army, 

Murat intercepted at Placenza several cou- 
riers from general Melas, with some impor- 
tant dispatches ; in which he complained of 
negligence in not furnishing with provisions 
the fortresses of Piedmont, Lombardy, and 
particularly Alexandria, the only points from 



NAPOLEON BON APAl^TE. Uf 

g-' ■' ' ■ ■ ■ ■ ' ■ '■' _"• 

which his army could draw subsistence, and 
with having been deceived in the real force 
of the French army. 

The van-guard of the French was attacked 
near Montebello by a body of 18,000 Austri- 
trians on the 20th, eighth, and a most san- 
guinary contest ensued : the Austrians were 
greatly superior to the French in numbers and 
in cavalry ; but general Watrin arriving with 
his division joined Lasnes and speedily decid- 
ed the day ; Montebello belonged to the 
French, and the Auslrians retreated to Vog- 
hera, having lost 6,000 prisoners, 12 pieces 
of cannon and a great number killed and 
wounded. 

Bonaparte was present at the battle of Mon- 
tebello. He departed from Milan on the 
morning of the 20th Prairial, ninth, for 
Pavia, where he staid an hour, then mount- 
ed his horse and passed the Po, to rejoin the 
van-guard already engaged with the Austrians. 
A few hours after the battle, Dessaix arriv- 
ed at the head quarters at Brenno. Bona- 
parte immediately gave him the command of 
two divisions. 

The day after the battle of Montebello, the 
head-quarters were removed to Voghera; 
All the army passed through that town to 
proceed to Tortona, before which they took 
positions, whilst the van-guard invested 
the fortress. The Austrian army had also 
arrived from Genoa, and estabhshed their 
head-quarters at Alezandria. 



245 *rHE HISTORY OF 

On the 24th Prairial, twelfth, the ar- 
my quitted its position before Tortona, and 
inarched towards Alexandria, where general 
Melas was concentrating his forces. 

The Austrians were driven across the Bor- 
inida by Murat, and general Melas having 
united his divisions determined to give battle 
to tiie French, who hitherto successful were 
not prepared for that event. 

Bonaparte with his horse-guards and one 
piece of light artillery, hovered about Ma- 
rengo ; and traversing the plain examined the 
ground with great attention ; about eleven 
o'clock in the evening the army reached St* 
Juliano. 

On the 25th Prairial, June thirteenth, at day 
break, some discharges of cannon against the 
van-guard roused a part of the troops to arms. 
The French army was formed in two lines, 
having its wings supported by strong bodies 
of cavalry, and the Austrians displayed them- 
selves successively in three columns : the 
French force at Marengo before the battle 
commenced, consisted of 47,000 infantry, 
3,000 cavalry, and thirty pieces of cannon ; 
the Austrians were 45,000 infantry, 15,000 
cavalry, and 100 pieces of cannon. Having 
passed the river on three bridges, the right 
ascended by the bank, the centre marched to 
Marengo and the left towards Castel Ceriolo. 
The action began at eight in the morning ; 
the discharges of grape-shot were inGessant; 
the sabre and bayonet were used alternately; 



N\POLF.ON BONAPARTE. S^4t 

m -I I i ix JJ.3 1 ^ - j i ■ , _ ' _^ ■ 

the firing of small arms increased, and tne 
horse and foot were constantly charging. Bo- 
naparte mounted his charger at 11 o'clock, 
and hastened to the scene of action. Ber- 
thier having brought up the centre and van- 
guard, who were encouraged by Bonaparte to 
resist the fury of the Austrians, withstood 
four different assaults, and stedfastly repell- 
ed the attack. The Austrian line extended 
six miles along the Bormida, which was for* 
dable in many places. The Austrians direct- 
ed an astonishing fire towards the bridge ; 
but the principal point of action was at St. 
Stephano's, whence they might gain Voghera 
before the French, and cut off their retreat. 
Orders were given to the troops of reserve 
stationed in the rear, to advance with all 
speed ; but the divisions under Dessaix werci 
still at a great distance* At noon general 
Melas by one bold attempt determined to 
secure the victory : with 10,000 infantry, 
supported by a large body of cavalry and ar- 
tillery, he attacked the right wing of the- 
French in the plain of St. Juliano ; the consu- 
lar guard resisted the shock, but the Austri- 
an horse and artillery having manifested a de- 
sign to turn that body, they formed a square 
battalion around their standards and wound- 
ed, and having expended all their cartridges, 
arrived in the rear of the army with as 
much order as if they had been on the parade. 
The village of Marengo being carried, the 

I I 



250 THE HISTORY OF 



troops became disordered, and die French 
line was broken ; the left wing under Victor 
first retreated, and the same measure was 
adopted by the van-guard under Lasnes. 

Bonaparte, informed that the reserve un- 
der general Dessaix was not yet ready, in- 
stantly appeared before the division of Lasnes 
to slacken its retreat ; but the Austrians con- 
tinuing to advance, he commanded different 
movements with the seventy-second brigade, 
and even wished to charge the enemy in 
flank, placing himself at the head of the de- 
mi-brigade ; but a cry was heard from every 
rank, " JFe will not permit the first consul to 
expose himself.'^ The retreat was made in 
squares, though exposed to the fire of 80 
pieces of cannon, which preceded the Austri- 
an battalions, and vomited in the ranks show- 
ers of shot and shells. Berthier now inform- 
ed the consul that the army was in disorder ; 
" General," said he, '' you do not announce 
this news with coolness !" The retreat being 
sounded in every point, the centre fell back ; 
the^Austrians dislodged and turned the wings ; 
to the right they appeared to be very suc- 
cessful, and on the left had an opportunity of 
cutting them off from their head-quarters, 
whilst the garrison of Tortona perceiving 
ihe discomfiture, made a sortie, so that thejr 
were nearly surrounded. 

Bonaparte always in the centre, encourag- 
ed the remainder of the troops who defended 
the road, and a defile, which they were pass- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. tn, 

ing, inclosed on one side by a wood, and on. 
the other by a very lofty and thick vineyard, 
the village of Marengo flanking it to the left. 
Thirty pieces of cannon well served roared 
through the valley, destroying every thing 
within their reach. At four o'clock in the af- 
ternoon, within a radius of six miles, there re- 
mained but six thousand infantry present with 
their standards, a thousand horses, and six 
pieces of cannon only fit for service. A third 
of the army had not been engaged ; want of 
waggons to remove the wounded occasioned 
above a third to be employed in that service, 
the riflemen had lost the direction of their 
corps, and the remainder of the army was 
employed in defending the defile. At this 
moment when the field around was strewed 
with the dead and dying, Bonaparte braved 
death in the midst of myriads of balls which 
rooted up the earth under his horses feet, and 
whilst his soldiers were every instant falling 
around him, he gave orders with his accustom-? 
ed coolness. All who perceived him, forget.- 
ting the danger which menaced themselves, ex^- 
claimed, " Alas, should he be killed ! Why 
does he not retire ?" The Austrians not being 
able to force the defile occupied by the greatr 
est part of the French effective force, had 
drawn up a strong line of artillery, under cor 
ver of which they placed the infantry in the 
vineyards and woods. The cavalry waited ia 
order of battle to watch the moment of disor* 
d^r, and to destroy the dispersed ranks. 



8S5 THE HISTORY OF 

General Melas was so ceftain of a complete 
victory, that he dispatched couriers to the dif- 
ferent cities of Italy to inform them of his 
success. ...at the same time Bonaparte was 
animating his troops, and assured them, 
" that he was determined according to his cus- 
tom to sleep on the field of battle." The ob- 
stinacy of the French increased with their diffi- 
culties, for in this defile they were resolved 
to conquer or perish, and being invigorated 
by the presence and addresses of Bonaparte, 
who expected the immediate arrival of Des- 
saix, they repulsed every attempt to force 
their position. Four times had the retreat 
been sounded, when the consular guard was 
stationed in the plain of St. Juliano : against 
this body, every movement of cavalry, infan- 
try and artillery was directed, but each at- 
tack failed, they were united as one man, 
and sustained every assault with incredible 
firmness, until they were joined by the other 
divisions. Dessaix and Monnier's divisions, 
although they had performed a forced march 
of 30 miles, and although they had met the 
army flying and dispersed, did not relax in 
their ardour, but arrived in order of battle, 
being flanked on the right by 12 pieces of 
cannon under Marmont, and on the left by a 
body of cavalry under Kellerman. Melas, 
perceiving all the difficulty in the centre, ex- 
tended his wings to surround the French, and 
to cut off" their retreat ; this circumstance 
hindered him from observing the reinforce-. 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 25S 

ment which had been received. Bonaparte 
immediately availed himself of this error ; 
for as soon as Dessaix's division had reached 
the front, it was formed into close columns ; 
he placed himself at the head of the troops, 
passed through the ranks, inspired them with 
the greatest enthusiasm, and although 
a whole hour was employed in making prepa- 
rations for the. termination of the combat, and 
the Austrian artillery maintained an inces- 
sant fire, the effect was imperceptible : at 
length every movement being arranged, Bo- 
naparte ordered the charge to be beaten, upon 
which the army advanced against the Austri- 
an line, and the defile was conquered in an 
instant ; but the assailants were twice repuls- 
ed, and Bonaparte himself dismounted ; al- 
though in the most dangerous part of the ac- 
tion, he maintained his position, and notwith- 
standing the repeated vociferations of his 
troops, urging him to retire, he encouraged 
them by his presence and example, manifest- 
ing the most exalfSd courage and intrepidity. 
The generals issued from the defile, and the 
divisions being arrayed in conjunction with the 
artillery which wasformed in battery, exhibited 
a formidable front. These measures forced the 
Austrians to recede, which immediately led 
the cavalry to the charge ; but the grape, 
small shot and bayonet arrested their progress, 
whilst Murat with his cavalry and the centre 
advanced and aided to check them. At this 
instant Kellerraan, with his divisions, after 



J54 THE HISTORY OF 



having routed a body of the Austrian ca- 
vahy, surrounded 6,000 Hungarian grena- 
diers, and obliged them to surrender their 
arms. These successes broke the first of the 
Austrian Hues, which retired to the second, 
and both advanced to charge the French with 
the bayonet, but without effect : Dessaix hke 
a torrent on the left, engulphed all which 
he saw ; every thing submitted to him ; hedg- 
es, ditches and mounds were passed with 
unexampled rapidity. Victor captured Ma- 
rengo, and to cut off the Austrian retreat, 
pressed on to the Bormida.... turning oblique- 
ly to San Stephano, Dessaix dissevered the 
Austrian left wing ; at this triumphal moment, 
after having his horse killed under him, he 
received a wound from a musket bail, which 
was the cause of his immediate dissolution. 
*' Cachez ma mort aux soldats," said he to 
his aides-de-camp ; and soon after, as he was 
expiring, he added to the younger Lebrun 
who fought beside him : " Allez dire au pre- 
mier consul, que je meurs avec le regret de 
ne pas avoir assez fait pour la posterite :" or 
as others represent the sentence, " Je finis ma 
carriere, avec le seul regret de n'avoir pas assez 
fait pour vivre dans la posterite ! " " Tell the first 
consul that I regret only that I have not lived 
long enough to be known to posterity." Bo- 
naparte was in the heat of the battle, when 
Le Brun informed him of Dessaix's death ; 
his reply was, " Why is it not permitted me 
to weep!" The French army enraged at his 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. ^SS^ 

loss, concentrated their force, and instanta- 
neously attacked with the utmost fury the 
Austrian third Une, which hitherto re* 
mained firm. Lasnes supported by Ver- 
tim, Boudet and the consular guards 
with Marmont, Murat's cavalry, and Bes- 
siers' horse grenadiers, assailed the line with 
such irresistible impetuosity that it was bro- 
ken at once, and this produced the defeat ; 
the cavalry, infantry and artillery fied in the 
utmost confusion to the Bormida, where the 
rear guard in protecting the passage of the 
main body was entirely destroyed. This bat- 
tle was peculiarly distinguished for the obsti- 
nacy of the combatants, and the important 
events which it produced. The loss of the 
Austrians amounted to 17,000 men, including 
7,000 prisoners, 15 standards and 50 pieces of 
cannon.... the French must have suffered very 
much, as the armies v<iere engaged many <r 
hours within musket shot, and it is probable ^ 
that their loss could not have been less than 
half that of the Austrians, although the whole 
has been computed at 5,000 men. 

General Melas proved himself to be,^ ^^ji^ 
able officer in this battle ; he had two horsfes 
shot under him, but Bonaparte was his oppo- 
nent ^notwithstanding he still commanded a for- 
midable army^ his position was very disagree- 
able ; he was enclosed in a mountainous dis- 
trict between the Bormida and the Tanaro, ^ 
destitute of provisions, and without any -9, 
means of procuring supplies.... a ware that he 




256 THE HISTORY OV 

was in the situation of a beseiged town, he 
sent a trumpet to Bonaparte with proposals 
for an armistice, which was granted, and al- 
most the whole of the Italian fortresses deli- 
vered to the French. 

Bonaparte in the battle of Marengo wore a 
grey great coat, andaltliough exposed to every 
kind of death, he and his attendants escaped 
without injury.. ..when this was observed to 
him, " They were with me," he replied, 
" My fortune preserved them." Returning 
from the field, he met a great number of 
wounded, " It is impossible not to regret be- 
ing wounded like them," said he, " that we 
might better partake of their pain." The 
Hungarian grenadiers, who were prisoners, 
recollected Bonaparte in his former Italian 
campaign, and could not refrain from exclaim- 
ing, as he passed by them, " Bonaparte fore-* 
ver !" General Melas towards the latter part 
of the action, sent to the consul this message, 
" Stop the effusion of blood, and I will con- 
sent to any thing!" Bonaparte's answer is in 
conformity with every act of his life, with all 
addresses and with his character. " The 
trian army shall immediately retire within 
tlie line which it should occupy, according to 
the treaty of Campo Formio." He sent a 
Turkish sabre which he had brought from 
Egypt as a present to general Melas, who 
said to his aide-de-camp when he delivered it, 
" I am sorry peace is so long delayed ; I 
shall contribute my efforts to obtain it, that I 



'^m- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. SST 



inay see general Bonaparte at Paris* 1 would 
see him were he even in Egypt." 

One of the French officers who had been a 
prisoner at the commencement of the battle, 
said on his return, " Since I have been a sol- 
dier I have seen many defeats, but never any- 
similar to that." The confusion and hurry 
were so great at the Bormida, that in cross- 
ing the bridge he was carried 500 paces with- 
out setting his feet on the ground. 

After the battle of Marengo, Bonaparte 
dispatched general Kellerman to Massena^ 
ordering him to look carefully to the surren- 
der of Genoa, and prevent the English wha 
were masters of the port, from carrying oJBF 
any pieces of cannon, and from damaging 
the city and fortifications. He again visited 
Pavia, and on the 28thPrairial, June sixteenth, 
arrived at Milan : he was received in that ci- 
ty amid the acclamations of an immense con- 
course of people, who regarded him as the 
liberator of Italy. On the 29th, seventeenth, 
he attended at the cathedral with Berthier 
and the staff, where a Te Deiim was chaunted 
in honour of the deliverance of Italy and the 
glory of the French armies. Fie re-org1^Mi^^ V 
ed the Cisalpine republick ; created a consul* 
ta, charged with making regulations and 
forming laws for the different branches of 
the publick administration ; established in Mi- 
lan a minister extraordinary of the French go- 
vernment to transact business with the Cisal'- 



958 THE HISTORY OF 

pine republick, and formed a provisionary 
government, exercised by an extraordinary- 
commission of nine members, who united all 
the powers of the republick, except those of 
judicature and legislation. 

Bonaparte on the 7th Messidor, June 
twenty -fifth, entered Turin, amidst the shouts 
of " Long live Bonaparte ! long live the First 
Consul!'^ After visiting the citadel he de- 
parted, traversed Mount Cenis, and arrived 
at Lyons on the 9th, twenty-ninth. The 
news of his arrival soon spread through the 
town, and immediately the people, merchants 
and all classes of citizens assembled, filled 
the quays, bridges and roofs of the houses^ 
exclaiming, "/if is Bonaparte !'^ The festivity 
continued till night, intermingled with mill-* 
tary music and vollies of artillery. 

The prefect, generals, principal publick 
functionaries and members of the institute^ 
hastened to welcome him ; and on the next day 
Bonaparte, with a splendid retinue, and 50,000 
Lyonese, visited Belle-Cour, to survey it pre- 
vious to the re-building of the celebrated 
fronts which had been demolished after the 
siege. During the night of his stay they had 
contrived to strike a medal in brass : it was 
presented to him the instant before he laid 
the first stone of the building : he then de- 
posited the medal in a leaden box under the 
foundations of the new edifice. 
. The medal on one side represented the ef- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 2 St 

figy of Bonaparte, with the following inscrip* 
tion: 

TO BONAPARTE, 

RE-EDIFIER OF LYONS, 

VERNIAC, PREFECT, 

In the name of the grateful fieo/ile of Lyons, 

On the Other side a wreath of oak, in the 
middle of which was written : 

THE VICTOR AT MAREJVGOi 

TWICE 

CONQUEROR OF ITJLYf 

LAID THIS STONE, 

On the \Oth Messidor, in the eighth year of the Refiubltckf and 
first of his Consulate. 

On the 13th Messidor, July third, at half 
past two in the morning, Bonaparte entered 
Paris. On the preceding evening the two 
consuls had invited the council of state, the 
two prefects, the ministers, generals, officers 
of the staff and mayors, to repair to the Thuil* 
leries in full uniform by 9 o'clock the next 
morning, and to go in a body as far as Ville- 
juif, to present their respects to the first con- 
sul.. ..Bonaparte was aware of this reception, 
and eluded it, for at the moment his carriage 
entered the Thuilieries, the two consuls and 
the citizens were asleep. When they visited 
him in the morning, his first words were, 
"Citizens, here we are again! Have you 
done a great deal of business since I left 
you?" The answer was, " Not so much as you 
general." He talked for an hour of his cam= 
paign, of the conduct of the French and A^s^ 



26» THE HISTORY OF 

trian troops, of the dispositions of Italy with 
regard to France, and of circumstances which 
gave reason to hope for peace. The day af- 
ter his return, general Cafarelli presented 
him with a sealed box, which five ladies 
whose names were unknown, charged him to 
remit to the first consul. On opening it he 
found a crown of laurel, interwoven with im^ 
mortals, and the following verses :.... 

Dleu des combats, sois-liii toujours fidele ! 
Dieii de la paix, couronne ce guerrier ! 
A son genie appartient I'immortelle, 
A sa valeur appartient le laurier. 

On the following day he received the con- 
gratulatory addresses of the constituted au-. 
thorities, of the national institute, and the se-^ 
veral administrations, and distributed rewards 
and honours among the soldiers wno had, 
signalized themselves in Italy. General 
Davigneau, who, with a part of his divi- 
sion, had remained inactive at the battle of 
Marengo, was broken. The consuls then is- 
sued a decree against general Foissac-Latour, 
who had surrendered the city of Mantua 
to the Austrians. 

The Consuls of the Reliublick to the Minister at nmr. 
" The consuls are informed, citizen minister, that citizen 
I'oissack-Latour returned from Austria, dishonours by 
■\vearing it, the dress of a French soldier. Let him be told, 
that he was no lpn.u;er in the service of the republick from the 
^ay on which he so basely svuTfendered Mantua ; and express- 
ly forbid his wearing any kind of uniform. His conduct at 
Majitiia is rather to be judged by opinion than by the tribu-^ 



m .1. 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. S6I 



n^i. ; besides, government wish to hear nothing more of that 
shameful siege, which will long leave a blemish on our arms. 
Citizen Foissack-Latour will find in public contempt the great" 
est punishment that can be inflicted on a Frenchman." 

Plays and other amusements in celebra- 
tion of this great victory were given in all the 
theatres of Paris, and every house was 
illuminated five nights in succession. The 
exultation was general, and all were in great 
hopes for the future. The splended victories 
which were obtained by Moreau in Germany, 
increased the hopes of a general peace. On 
the 14th of July, the anniversary of the re- 
volution, all seemed enraptured with their 
victory and victorious leader. The revoluti- 
on and its object were entirely forgotten. 
Grand processions, entertainments, prize- 
fighting, running matches, &.c. attracted the 
attention of the Parisian multitude. Bona- 
parte and his whole family were among the 
spectators. The first stone of a national mo- 
nument in remembrance of the most impor- 
tant occurrences during the revolution, was 
laid on this day, as was likewise that of a mo- 
nument in memory of General Dessaix. 

Bonaparte, indefatigable in the cabinet 
as in the midst of his armies, ratified a 
treaty of peace with the United States of. 
America. At a brilliant entertainment given 
at Morfontaine by Joseph Bonaparte, presi- 
dent of the commission of ministers employ- 
fid to negociate with the envoys of the Unit- 



362 THE HISTORY OF 

ed States, the peace between the countries 
was magnificently celebrated. 

The first consul joined them at three o'clock, 
when the minister for foreign affairs presen- 
ted him with the convention signed on the 
9th of Vendemiaire, September thirtieth, 
between the French and American ministers. 
After dinner.... Bonaparte gave as his toast, 
" To the manes of the French and Americans 
who were killed on the field of battle for the in- 
dependence of the new world." On the next day 
the American ministers took leave of the first 
consul, and told him, " they hoped that the 
convention signed on the ninth, would be the 
basis of a lasting friendship between France 
and America, and that they would themselves 
leave nothing undone to accomplish that end." 
Bonaparte replied: " the disputes which have 
taken place between us being now terminat- 
ed, we should consider them but family quar- 
rels, and forgive them accordingly. The liber- 
al principles consecrated in the convention, 
on the subject of navigation, ought to be tlie 
foundation of the friendship of the two nations, 
as well as of their interest. Under the pre- 
sent circumstances, it becomes more neces- 
sary than ever that the two nations should 
adhere to it." During their stay at Morfon- 
taine, on the same day, the perfect of the de- 
partment of the Oise presented Bonaparte 
with several golden medals recently found by 
some peasants within his jurisdiction. They 
were inclosed, with many others, in a small 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 26S 

■j.,f ..,•.•.. . . ■ ■ ' — •' ''' 

earthen vessel ; the whole being worth about 
600,000 livres. They were in a very perfect 
state, and of several different dates ; some as 
far back as the Roman republick and others 
of the time of the emperors. The prefect in- 
formed the first consul, that it had been very 
difficult to obtain the pieces, as those who 
found them were afraid of being put to some 
trouble on account of the discovery. ''Ac- 
cording to the ancient laws," continued he, 
" any treasures found belonjy to govern- 
ment.".... At present," replied Bonaparte, "go- 
vernment do not wish to dispute with the 
good fortune of a citizen ; besides we must be 
careful that these medals, which may be in- 
valuable monuments to the historian, be not 
melted down ; buy as many of them therefore 
as you can.. ..Perhaps," added he, after a mo- 
ments reflection, " these are only a part, and 
you may easily procure more." The first 
consul then approached one of the Ame- 
rican ministers, and said to him, " Here 
are some Roman medals which have been 
just found in France ; do me the favour to 
take them to America." 

On the 18th Vendemiaire, October ninth, 
some persons formed a plot to assassinate the 
first consul. They had chosen the opera, as 
the place to execute their scheme ; but were 
discovered by the minister of police, who 
arrested them in the same place where 
they intended to have committed the mur- 
der. They had met and fixed both the day 



2^4 THE HISTORY Of 

and the hour. The minister, informed of 
these particulars, invited the consul, to re- 
ceive his orders on the subject...." These ar6 
not my affairs," replied he, " they are yours" 
...."Will you go to the Opera?"...." Undoubt^ 
edly." 

After the armistice concluded with the- 
emperor, general Moreau arrived at Paris on 
the 26th Vendemiaire, October seventeenth; 
ht immediately visited the first consul at the 
council of state. Before he left the saloon 
the minister of the interior introduced 
a superb brace of pistols of exquisite work- 
manship, and enriched with diamonds. The 
directory had ordered them as a present to one 
of the foreign princes, and they had since 
remained at the house of the minister of the 
interior. " They come very a-propos," said 
the first consul, presenting them to general 
Moreau; then turning towards the minister 
of the interior...." Citizen minister," said he, 
" let some of the battles which general Mo- 
reau has gained, be engraved on them ; but 
not all.. ..they would occasion too m.any dia- 
monds to be taken away ; the general indeed 
attaches no great value to these, but the de- 
sign of the artist must not be wholly de- 
ranged." 

The first consul escaped death in De- 
cember by a very remarkable preservation. 
A number of dissatisfiad characters had con- 
certed a scheme by which they intended to 
destroy him on his way to the national insti- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 265 

tute of rausick. The machine which they 
had manufactured for this purpose, has been 
usually known by the appellation of infernal. 
Fouche, at the head of the police, was ac- 
quainted with this conspiracy from its first 
conception, and by his vigilant agents was 
informed of the daily progress made in the con- 
struction of this destructive instrument, of 
the plan of which he had even a copy. The 
conspirators proceeded with perfect confi- 
dence and security. Three days before it 
was completed and ready for its purpose, 
from some surprise or dread of detection 
they changed their place of meeting, and iri 
one night removed the machine from the spot 
in which it had been usually deposited. The 
penetrating eye of the police lost sight of them, 
Fouche and his followers pursued and at- 
tempted to discover it in vain : he then waitied 
upon Bonaparte, to whom he had regularly- 
imparted the result of every day's informati- 
on respecting it, arid told him that he could 
no longer trace the traiterous instrument of 
his assassination, and requested him as he was 
convincedit must be completed by this time, not 
to go to any publick places, until he had re- 
gained a knowledge of it. Bonaparte replied^ 
that fear only made cowards and conspirators 
brave, and that he had unalterably determin- 
ed to go with his accustomed equipage to the 
national concert that very evening. At the 
usual hour the first consul departed undis may- 

L i< 



C^66 THE HT^TOllY OF 

«d from the ThuiUiers ; a description of the 
machine, which was made to resemble a water 
cask, having been first given to tlie coachman, 
servants and guards. As they proceeded, the 
advanced guard passed it unobserved, but the 
coachman discovered it just as the consul's 
carriage was on a parallel with it ; the 
driver instantly lashed his horses into 
a gallop and turned the corner of the 
Rue Marcem. In one moment after the 
terrible machine exploded, and covered 
the street with ruins. The thunder of its 
discharge shook the houses of Paris and was 
lieard at a considerable distance in the coun- 
try. The first consul arrived in safety at the 
hall of musick, and with every appearance of 
profound serenity entered his box amidst 
the acclamations of the crowded multitude. 

The treaty of peace which was concluded at 
I^uneville on the ninth of February 1801 be- 
tween France and Austria produced tranquil- 
lity on the continent. Bonaparte's answer to 
the proposal of peace made by the Emperor, 
was thus couched : " The left bank of the 
*' Rhine shall be the boundary of the French 
*' republick : she makes no pretensions to the 
*' right bank : the interest of Europe does not 
*' permit the emperor to pass the Adige : the in- 
*' dependence of the Helvetick and the Batavi- 
*' an republicks shall be insured and guaran- 
*' teed. Our victories add nothing to the pre- 
*' tensions of the French people. Austria 
^ ought not to expect from her defeats what 



NAPOLEON BON APATITE. 261? 

*' she would not have obtained by her victories. 
*' Such are the invariable principles of the go- 
*' vernment : it is for the welfare of France 
*' to restore tranquillity to Germany and Italy ; 
*' her glory to deliver the continent from the 
*' avaricious and destructive genius of En- 
*' gland." 

After the ratification of the treaty of Lune- 
ville, Bonaparte addressed the nation :.... 

'* The continental p^ace has been sij^ned at Luneville. It 
is such as the French people desired. Their first wish was the 
boundary of the Rhine. Reverses never shook their resoluti- 
on : victory never added to their pretensions. 

" After h^ivinj^ re-established the ancient limits of Gaul, they 
had to give freedom to the people who were united to them by 
•ne common origin, as well as by a community of interests and 
•f manners, 

« The liberty of the Cisalpines and of Liguria is secured. 

*' After this duty, there was another which justice and 
generosity imposed. 

« The King of Spain had been faithful to our cause and 
suffered for it. Neither our reverses, nor the perfidious insi- 
nuations of our enemies could detach him from our interests t 
he shall have a just recompence— a prince of his blood is to sit 
on the throne of Tuscany. 

" He will remember what he owes to the fidelity of Spain 
and to the friendship of France : his roadsteads and his ports 
will be shut against our enemies, and vf'M. become the asylum 
of our commerce and our ships, 

*' Austria, and it is this which is the pledge of peace, Au- 
stria hencefoith separated from the republick by vast regi- 
ons, will no longer feel that rivalry, those heart-burnings which 
lor so many ages have occasioned the torment of these tWQ 
powers, and the calamities of Europe, 



268 THE HISTORY OF 

" By tU'is treaty every thing is settled with respect to France j 
it will no lon,Qrer have to struggle against the forms and the in- 
trigues of a congress. 

♦' The government owes the expression of its satisfaction to 
the minister plenipotentiary who has conducted the negociati- 
on to this happy termination. T^ei'e remain neither interpret 
tations to be feared nor explanations to be demanded, nor those 
equivocal arrangements in which the diplomatick art deposits 
the seeds of a new war. 

" Wherefore was not this treaty the treaty of a general 
peace I This was the wish of France ! This was the constant 
object of the efforts of the government ! 

" But its efforts were vain. All Europe knows that the 
British minister has endeavoured to frusti'ate the negociations 
at Luneville. 

" In vain did an agent authorised by the government de= 
clare to him on the 9th of October 1800, that France was 
ready to enter into a separate negotiation. This declaration 
produced a refusal only, under the pretext that England could 
not abandon her ally. Since then^ when this ally consents to 
treat without England, that government seeks other means toi 
delay a peace so necessary to the woild. 

" It violates conventions which humanity had consecrateda 
and declares war against miserable fisher»ien. 

*' It raises pretensions contrary to the dignity and the rights, 
of all nations. The whole commerce of Asia, and of immense 
colonies, does not satisfy its ambition. All the seas must sub= 
mit to the exclusive sovereignty of England. It arms, against 
Russia, Denmark, and Sweden ; because Russia, Denmark, 
and Sweden have secured, by treaties of guaranty, their so- 
vereignty and the independence of their flags. 

" The powers of the North unjustly attacked, have a right 
to reckon upon France. The French govjernment will avenge 
with them a commpii injury to all nations ; without ever losing 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 269- 



sight however, that it ought to fight only for peace and for 
(he good of the world." 

The following anecdotes of general Mo* 
reau and the Arch-duke Charles are so cha- 
racteristick and honourable to them, that they 
merit preservation. When the Arch-duke 
was travelling from Bohemia to take the com^ 
mand of the army in Germany ; as he ap^ 
proached the scene of action he perceived 
numbers of wounded and dying, abandoned 
by their companions for want of horses to 
draw the carriages in their retreat. He im- 
mediately ordered the horses to be unyoked 
from several pieces of cannon, saying, 
" That the relief of the men was an object 
far nearer his heart than the preservation of 
cannon." When general Moreau heard of. 
this benevolence, he ordered the cannon 
which had been captured by him to be res- 
tored to the Austrians, remarking, " That he 
would retain no cannon which had been aban-^ 
doned from such humane motives." 

At Passau there was a repository of clothes 
and provisions destined for the poor of that 
city. This magazine on the retreat of the 
Austrians to the Trafen, was possessed by 
the French : the Arch-duke immediately 
wrote to Moreau, to acquaint him with its 
destination, and intreated him to spare it : the; 
clothes and the provisions were distributed, 
among the poor, and Moreau returned for an-*- 
^weij " That he would never appropriate ta* 



2^0 THE HTSTOl^Y Of 



his own use that which had been intended for 
the rehef of indigence." 

During the summer of 1801, the army 
surrendered Egypt and returned to France; at 
the same time that this event was known, and 
after a negociation which had been continued 
nearly nine months, and conducted with pro- 
found and admirable secrecy, preliminaries 
of peace between the English and French go- 
vernments were concluded in London on the 
1st of October, and immediately after ratified 
by the contracting parties. The manifesta- 
tions of joy in both countries were unbound- 
ed and in many instances amounted almost to 
frenzy : the definitive treaty of peace was sign- 
ed on the 27th of March 1802 at Amiens, by- 
Joseph Bonaparte and Marquis Cornwallis. 

A civil code was one of the greatest wants 
of France ; Bonaparte therefore in order to 
provide for these pressing necessities of the 
people, charged the minister of justice 
immediately to appoint a committee to en- 
quire into the nature of the different existing 
civil codes, to decide upon that which it 
would be most proper to adopt, and to dis- 
cuss the principal bases of legislation in civil 
affairs. The minister named Portalis, Tron- 
chet, Bigot, Preameneau, and Maleville, 
who some time after, published the project 
of a civil code, prefaced by a long and able 
introduction, explaining the principles on 
which they had proceeded, derived from^ the 
established laws and customs of society, and 



NAPOLEON BON AP ARTE. nn 

applicable to the present times. The result 
of their studies was also officially communi- 
cated to the tribunal of cassation and to the 
tribunals of appeal, who returned it to the 
minister of justice with their remarks, which 
were also published. After this project had 
been the subject of jmblick and private discussi- 
on for six months, it was revised and drawn up 
afresh in the council of state, by the section 
of legislation, and then presented to the le* 
gislative body, and by them to the tribunate* 
The chief consul had himself attended to the 
particulars of this code during the whole 
time which it had been before the council oF 
state ; several of its articles passed peaceably 
throLigli the assemblies, though not entirely 
without opposition, yet none of them were 
rejected. 

The concordatum between Bonaparte and 
the Pope was signed on the twenty-sixth of 
July 1 80 1 and raiified on September t jnth, but 
it Was not adopted until April 180-2. By this 
agreement the management of the Gallican 
church was delivered to the consul alone. 
When objections were made to the measure, 
he said, " Make you no account then of a 
clergy who will pray every day for the safety 
of the repubiick, and of bishops who will be 
obliged by their oath, to reveal all plots 
against it I" 

Bonaparte during the sittingof the congress 
at Amiens visited Lyons to meet the Cisal- 
pine deputies who had been commissioned to 



272 THE HISTORY OF 

offer him the sovereignty of that repubUck. 
He left Paris on the ninth of June, and reached 
Lyons on the 1 1th. He was accompanied on 
his journey by madame Bonaparte, Chaptal 
the minister of the interior, and many other 
personages of the first distinction in France. 
Upon his approach to Lyons, he was met and 
Escorted by a brilHant troop of 150 volun- 
teers, all natives of that town, young men 
of fortune and fine appearance. Thus accom- 
panied, he entered the city about ten o'clock 
in the evening amidst the loudest acclamati- 
ons and the most rapturous expressions of 
universal joy. 

On the grand staircase of the palace, ap- 
pointed for his residence, the following most 
flattering inscription met his eyes : 

\lt/i January, an. 10, 
BONAPARTE, 

VANQUISHER ANE PACIFICATOR, 

Arrived in this city and lodged in this palace } 

IIVE HUNDRED CISALPINE DEPUTIES ATTENDED HIK, 

To fix under his auspices, 
The laws and destinies of their country. 

AT HIS VIEW THE ARTS AWOKE IN THIS GITV3 
COMMERCE RESUMES ITS ANCIENT SPLENDOUR, 

: And the grateful Lyonese forming for him, 
The same tvish that their ancestors did for jdntonine, 
Have said, 
« 3 fay his hafifMiess be equal to his glory." 

The first consul employed his time for the 
ensuino- fortnight in visiting the different ma- 
nufacto^ries and establishments of Lyons and 
m conferring with the principal Cisalpine de- 



• NAPu^. ....-— .,'S 

puties. The people of Lyons, who had suf- 
fered, perhaps, more by the revolution and 
the war than any other city in France, were 
charmed with the attention of the first consul 
to their commercial interests, and his promis- 
es of protection and encouragement. At the 
hall, where the consulta met, a splendid 
chair was prepared for Bonaparte, adorned 
with military trophies ; the room was deco- 
rated with various ornaments emblematick o£ 
his victories, and inscribed with mottos ap- 
plicable to him and his fortune. The meet- 
ings of the consulta were private, and they at 
length appointed a committee of thirty to pre- 
pare a report of the actual state of the Cisal- 
pine nation, and the means necessary for its 
future prosperity and happiness. This com- 
mittee accordingly presented a report, declar- 
ing it absolutely necessary that Bonaparte 
himself should undertake the sole and exclu* 
sive management of their affairs. 

The report of the committee was entered 
in the proces verbal of the consulta, and un- 
animously agreed to by the Cisalpine depu- 
ties. A special committee was appointed to 
wait on Bonaparte with the report, which in-. 
vited him, not in his capacity of first consul 
of France, but personally as general Bona* 
parte to accept of the government of theic 
country. 

On the 26 th of January, the first consul, 
accompanied by the minister for foreign affairs, 
and the minister of the interior, four counsel- 
M M 



gr4 The history op 

lors of state, twenty prefects of departments^ 
and a vast train of general officers, took his 
seat at the Cisalpine consulta, and pronounced 
m his native language Italian, a speech to 
the following effect : 

" That the Cisalpine republic, acknowledged since the treaty 
of Campo Formio, has already experienced many vicissitudes. 

" The first efforts made to constitute it have not succeeded. 

♦' Invaded since by hostile armies, its existence seemed no 
longer probable, when the French people, a second time drove 
by force of arms, your enemies from your territories. Since 
that time every means have been tried to divide you. ...The 
protection oi France has pj-evailed, you h&ve been recognized 
at Luneville. 

" Increased one fifth, you exist more powerful, more con* 
aolidated, and with better hopes ! 

" Composed of six different nations, you are now going to 
be united under a constitution more adapted to your manners 
^d to your circumstances. 

*' I have assembled you around me at Lyons, as being the 
principal inhabitants of the Cisalpine. You have given me the 
necessary information to fulfill the august task which my 
duty imposed upon me, as the first magistrate of the French 
people, and as the man who has most contributed to your ere-* 
ation. 

" The choice whic:h I have made to fill the first magisterial 
offices in your country are completely independent of all idea 
of party, of all spirit of locality. 

<' As to that of president, I have not found any body among you^ 
^vho would have sufficient claim to the public opinion, who 
would be sufficiently independent of the spirit of locality, and 
who in fine had rendered great services enough to his country 
to intrust it to him. 

'^ The proces verbal which you have caused to be transmitted 



srj 



to me by your committe of thirty, in which are analyzed with 
equal precision and truth, the internal and external circum- 
stances of your country, have made a lively impression upon 
me. I adhere to your wish. I shall still preserve, as long as 
circumstances may require it, the great care of your affairs. 

" Amid the continual cares which the post that I occupy re- 
quire, every thing which may relate to you and consolidate 
your existence and your prosperity, shall not be foreign frotu 
the dearest affections of my heart. 

*^ You have had as yet oilly particular laws ; in futufe yot> 
must have general laws. 

" Your people have only local habits ; they must assume na- 
tional habits. 

" Finally, you have no army ; the pov^ers who might be- 
come your enemies have strong armies : but you have that 
which can produce them, a numerous population, fertile count 
tries, and the example which has been given in all the essen- 
tial circumstances by the first nation in Europe." 

On the 17th of April, the proclamatiofjl 
with respect to the concordatum was issued 
and the solemn celebration of that event fix- 
ed for the next day in the church of Notre 
Dame. 

Previously however, to the publica;tion o£ 
this new religious code, the cardinal Caprara 
the Pope's legate had a formal audience of 
the first consul : the government carriages 
were sent to his eminence, who went in state 
to the Thuilleries ; he was preceded by a detach- 
ment of grenadiers, and of gens d'armes^ 
with trumpets, &c. There were in his traiu 
ten carriages full of ecclesiasticks, and th« 
procession was closed by a body of 200 caval- 
ry. The legate and suite descended at the 



276 THE HISTORY OF 

principal entrance of the palace : the cross 
was as usual carried before the legate, and 
during the ceremony was placed at the door 
of the council chamber. At this council, the 
ministers and members of the council of state 
attended. The cardinal delivered a flattering 
address to the consul, in which he compli- 
mented him both on account of his victories 
and his zeal for religion ; among the many- 
remarkable expressions which it contained 
was the following : 

« The same hand which gained battles and which signed 
peace with all nations, restoi'es splendour to the temples of the 
true God, re-edifies his altars, and re-establishes his worship.'' 

After the conclusion of his speech, the car- 
dinal signed the formula of an oath in the 
Latin language, by which he engaged to ob- 
serve the constitution, laws, statutes and cus- 
toms of the republick. 

To this address the first consul made the 
following answer : 

■ j " On account of the apostolick virtues by which you are dis- 
tinguislied, cardinal, I behold you with great satisfaction, the 
possessor of an extensive influence on the conscience of man. 
" You draw from the gospels the rules of your conduct, and 
consequently you will contribute much to the extinction of ani- 
mosity, and the establishment of union in this vast empire. 
The French nation will long have reason to rejoice at the haj>- 
py choice that I and his holiness have jointly made of you. The 
result of your mission will be for the Christian religion which 
in all ages has produced so much good among mankind, afresh 
subject for exultation. The enlightened philosopher and the 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. sr? 

true friend to man, will express his satisfaction at this appoint- 
ment." 

The magnificence of the fete which esta- 
blished and proclaimed the catholic religion in. 
France, was far greater and more brilliant 
than had attended any solemnity since the re- 
volution. The restoration of the national 
religion was not only effected with the utmost 
splendour on the part of the government, but 
was received by the people at large with uni- 
versal and sincere pleasure. The ceremony 
was performed with great pomp. The an- 
thems and the appropriate musick were the 
work of the first composers in France, and 
the execution was by no means inferior : eve- 
ry lustre that consuls and cardinals, bishops, 
arch-bishops and the Pope's legate could 
give to the re-establishment of the Roman 
catholick religion in France was most pro- 
fusely lavished on this occasion. 

Immediately after this event Bonaparte was 
desirous that the colours of his regiment should 
be consecrated by the cardinal, and expressed 
his wishes to the troops ; in the course of a 
few days, a deputation waited upon him, 
with this reply...." Our banners have already 
been consecrated by the blood of our enemies 
at Marengo, the benediction of a priest can- 
not render them more sacred in our eyes, nor 
more animating in the time of battle:" the 
consul was obliged to submjt. 

About this time Bonaparte gave a grand 
dinner to the metropolitan Arch-bishop and 



278 THE HISTORY OF 

to several of his brethren. After the enter- 
tainment Bonaparte addressed the Arch-bi- 
shop observing that as he had given directi- 
ons for the repairing of the archi-episcopal pa-» 
lace, he should very much like to take a ride 
in the Arch-bishop's carriage, to see the pro- 
gress which the workmen had made. Thq 
prelate bowed to the first consul, and inform- 
ed him that he had no carriage, otherwise he 
should be much flattered by conducting him 
thither, Bonaparte good humouredly saidt 
*' How can that be ? Your coach has been 
waiting at the gate this half hour," and imr 
mediately led the venerable Arch-bishop 
down the steps of the Thuilleries, where he 
found a plain handsome carriage, with a va- 
luable pair of horses, and a coachman and 
footmen, dressed in the livery which Bona-; 
parte had just before informed him would be 
allotted to him when his establishment was 
completed. The whole was a present from 
the private purse of the first consul. Upon 
their arrival at the palace, the Arch-bishop 
was agreeably surprised, to find that the 
most minute and liberal attention had beer; 
paid to his comfort and accommodation. 

The tribunate now began to agitate the 
question, " What mark of national gratitude 
js due to the hero who has done so much for 
France ?" It was at first proposed to elect him 
consul for five years.. ..this was afterwards 
exchanged to ten years. ...when this election 



NAPOLEON BONAPAI^TE. 27$ 



was notified to him by the cojiservative senate, 
he thus addressed them : 

« The honourable testimony of your esteem, expressed in 
your late deliberations, shall be forever engraven on my 
heart. The suffrages of the people have invested me with thg 
supreme magistracy. I should not lopk upon myself as as- 
sured of the national confidence, if the act that was to conti- 
nue me in that high office were not again sanctioned by the same 
suffrage. During the three years which have just elapsed, for- 
tune has smiled propitiously on the republick : but fortune iii» 
inconstant ; and how many are those on whom she has lavish- 
ed her favours, that have lived a few years too long ! The in- 
terest I feel for my glory and my happiness would seem to 
have marked the term of my publick life at the moment that 
the peace of the world was proclaimed. But every attention 
to the glory and the happiness of a citizen should cease to ope- 
rate when the interests of the state or the publick kindness 
call upon him. You think that I owe a new sacrifice to the 
people ; that sacrifice I will make^ if the wish of the people 
command what is authorised by your vote." 

Two days after, the consuls offered a ques- 
tion upon which the people were to be con- 
sulted : " Shall Napoleon Bonaparte be de- 
clared consul for life ?" Which was decided 
in the affirmative and to this honour was ad- 
ded the privilege of appointing his successor. 
During this election the following incident 
occurred. Upon the JSrst appearance of the 
election book of the first consul in one of 
the departments, some wag instead of sub- 
scribing his name, immediately under the ti- 
tle of the page, " Shall Napoleon Bonaparte 



230 tHE HISTOTlY OF 

' ' -^ 

be first consul for life ?" Wrote the following 
words, " I cannot tell." 

Barthelemy the president of the senate, at- 
tended by that body, waited upon the consul 
'^at the Thuilleries when he was holding a le- 
vee at which all the foreign ambassadors 
were present ; after a long address he declar- 
ed Bonaparte's appointment to the consulship 
for life : Bonaparte replied ; " To the life of 
*' a citizen, his country has a just claim. 
" The French people demand, that I shall 
" devote myself to their service ; I obey 
" their will. In giving me now this pledge of 
" their confidence, they impose upon me the 
" sacred duty to establish the system of their 
*' laws on principles of wisdom, liberty, 
" and equality, so that the welfare of France 
" may be secured against all vicissitudes." 

Since the peace with England in 1802, the 
French government has maintained an un- 
successful war against the blacks in St. Do- 
mingo, and notwithstanding great efforts 
have been made to reduce the island to obe- 
dience, they have been ineffectual.. ..the blacks 
still possess the principal part of the colony, 
and little probabillity remains that it will 
again submit to a foreign yoke. 

The affairs of Switzerland at the conclusi- 
on of the war, very deeply interested all Eu- 
rope. The adherents to the old form of go- 
vernment were opposed by a strong party 
who had imbibed the notion of uniting the 
whole nation under one government, thereby 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. sel 

^ ' . .. ■ - 

destroying that federa.1 principle upon which 
they had so long been associated. A general 
diet assembled at Berne in September 1801, 
to deliberate upon the state of the cantons 
and to form a new government, the former 
constitution having been destroyed amidst the 
agitations which convulsed all Europe. The 
democratick cantons were decidedly against 
the doctrine of indivisibilityj but it at length 
prevailed through a scheme which the French 
party conceived, and by which ha.ving entire- 
ly dispossessed their opponents from all part 
in their proceedings, they proclaimed a con- 
stitution which was exactly suited to the? 
views of the minister Verniac who resided at 
Berne. 

General Turreau soon after was stationed 
in the Valais which was during the summer; 
separated from its a.lliance with the Sv/iss can- 
tons. Aloys Reding, president of the pro vi- 
sionary government which had been appoint- 
ed until the diet should conclude its sittings 
and the government acting u.nder the autho- 
rity of the constitution commence its operati- 
ons, had visited Paris, and the Consul had 
assured him, " that the democratick cantons 
should enjoy their ancient laws" which ani- 
mated them in their opposition to this new 
form of government; hence three of the can- 
tons Schweitz, Uri and Underwalden deter^ 
mined to separate from the Helvetic repub- 
lick, and form a new confederacy ; they ac- 



THE HISTORY OF 



cordingly addressed the French mmister, da- 
ted Schweitz, July 13th> 1802. 

'*' We have ineifectually endeavoured, for four successive 
tears, to tear fi'om us a constitution, which from its origin, 
and still more from tlie violence with which it was establish- 
ed, could not fail to be odious and insupportable. It is in vain 
that we have constantly hoped that the Helvetic government 
instructed by the sorrowful events of four unfortunate years, 
^ould at length find that our separation from the republick 
\fas that which was most wise and suitable for both parties, 
and that the wish which we have so often and so strongly ex- 
pressed for our ancient liberty, would have induced them to 
Set aside all hope that those three cantons would ever volunta- 
rily accept any other constitution than that which has ever 
been considered as the only one suited to these states, and for 
reasons so highly prized by ourselves and our ancestors. Our 
re-union with Helvetia, which has been stained with so much 
innocent blood, is perhaps the most cruel example of con* 
Straint which history can offer. 

« In the conviction therefore that for a forced and unfortu- 
fiate marriage, divorce is the only reasonable remedy, and 
that Helvetia and oui'selves cannot recover repose and content, 
except by the dissolution of this forced tie, we are firmly resolv- 
ed to labour at that separation with all possible activity ; and 
we think it best to address that authority, which, for four 
years past has united us in spite of ourselves, to the Helve- 
tic republick. As to any thing further, we only wish to pre- 
serve good harmony in our commercial relations, as becomes 
bi'ave Swiss. In listening to ©"ur just demands, the Helvetic re- 
publick will acquire in us brothers and faithful neighbours.'* 

The Trench troops havmg evacuated Swit- 
zerland, the parties recurred to violence, and 
the confederates were completely successful. 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 28$ 



In beptember the members of the old govern^ 
ment assembled at Berne and resumed their 
functions.. .at this crisis Bonaparte addressed 
them in that remarkable composition into 
which is infused every trait of his characr 
ter:.... 

EoifAPAHfB, First Consul of the French Refiublkk, President 

of the Italian Republick, to the Eighteen Cantons of the Helve-f 

tick ReptLblick. 

St. Cloud, Sep^. 30, 1802. 

Inhabitants of Helvetia, 
YOU have afforded for two years, an afflicting spectacle. 
Opposite factions have successively taken possession of the so- 
vereign authority ; they have signalized their temporary rule 
by a system of partiality which proved their unskilfulness and 
weakness. Inthe course of the year 10 your government desired 
that the small number of French troops in Helvetia should be 
withdrawn. The French government willingly availed them" 
selves of that opportimity to honour your independence ; but 
soon afterwards your different parties began to be agitated by 
fresh fury ; the blood of the Swiss was shed by the hands of 
Swiss. You have been disputing for three years without com? 
ing to any understanding ; if you are left longer ta yourselves, 
you will be killing each other for three ygars, without coming 
to a better understanding. Your history proves besides, your 
intestine wars could never be terminated but by the efficacious 
intervention of France. It is true that I had determined not to 
interfere at all in your affairs ; I had constantly setn your dif- 
ferent governments ask advice of me, and not follow it, and 
sometimes abuse my name, according to their interests and 
their passions ; but I neither can nor ought to remain insen- 
sible to the misery pf which ycu are the victims. I recall my 
determination... .7 w;// be the mediator of your differences, but 
|ny mediation shall be efficacious, such as befits the great peo? 



284 THE HISTORY OF 

pie in whose name I speak. Five days after the notif 
the present proclamation, the senate e/ia// assemble ; 
Every magistracy that shall have been formed at Be 
the capitulation shall be dissolved and shall cease met 
exercising any authority. The pi'efects shall repaii 
posts. All the authorities which may have been fori 
cease meeting. Armed assemblies shall disperse. 
and 2d Helvetic demibrigades shall compose the ga 
Berne. The troops who have been on service for up 
six months, shall alone remain in coi'ps of troops. 

all individuals disbanded from the beUigerent armies, _ 

are now in arms, shall deposit their arms at the municipality 
of the commune where they were born. The senate shall send 
three deputies to Paris ; each canton may also send deputies. 
All citizens who, for the last three years, have been landam- 
snen, senators, and have successively occupied places in the 
central autliority, may repair to Pai'is, to make known the 
means of restoring union^and tranquillity, and conciliating all 
parties. On my part, I have a right to expect that no city, no 
commune, no corps, will do any thing contratry to the dispo- 
sitions which I make known to you. Inhabitants of Helvetia, 
awake to hope I I I.... Your country is on the brink of a preci- 
pice ; it shall be immediately drawn from it ; all men of good 
intentions will second this generous plan. But if, which I 
cannot believe, there be among you a great number of indivi- 
duals who should have so little virtue as not to sacrifice their 
passions and their prejudices to the love of their country, peo- 
ple of Helvetia, you will have indeed degenerated from your 
forefathers '. There is no sensible man who does not see that 
the mediation which I take upon myself is a benefit to Helvetia, 
from that providence which, in the midst of so many shocks, 
has always watched over the existence and independence of 
your nation, and that this mediation is the only means of sav- 
ing both. For indeed it is time you should see, that if the 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 285 

patriotism and union of your ancestors founded your republick, 
the bad spirit of your factions, if it continue, m\\ infallibly 
destroy it ; painful would it be to think, that at a period when 
several new republicks have arisen, destiny had marked out 
the termination and fall of one of the most ancient. 

BONAPARTE. 

ANSWER 

Of the Diet of Schweitz to the Proda-mation of Bo7iaparte» 

Citizen First Consul, 
THE proclamation which you did us the honour to send to 
us on the 30th of September, by citizen Rapp your adjutant- 
general, arrived at Schweitz on the 6th of October. We could 
have wished that the letter we took the liberty of sending you, 
general first consul on the 30th of Septembei', could have 
reached you sooner ; it contains a faithful exposition of the pre- 
sent state of Switzerland. Permit us to send you inclosed a 
duplicate of it, and to entreat you to receive it favourably. It 
will prove to you that the movements which have taken place 
in Switzerland are not the result of a spirit of party, and that 
the Swiss nation has no other object in view than to make use 
of the right which she claims of giving herself a central and 
cantonal constitution, founded on her position and her wants.... 
a sacred and precious right, which you deigned yourself to 
insure her by the treaty of Luneville. Switzerland would long 
since have been tranquil if the members of the Helvetic go- 
vernment, those obscure metaphysicians, had consulted the 
real state of affairs, instead "of obstinately attaching themselves 
to theoretick attempts, as erroneous as they are expensive. The 
violence with v/hich they have tried to impose their system 
upon the democratick cantons, then against all Sv/itzerland.... 
the unexampled severity with which they have done it, has 
produced a discontent equally general and just, and a deter- 
mined and avowed will to shake off this insupportable yoke. 
Jt is not then, general first consul, an affair of party, it is the 



386 THE HISTORY OF 

' ■ ' ■■ ' -^ 

sacred cause of humanity, it is the general wish of the whole 
nation, which has given us our power and our instructions, of 
a nation which you yourself wished to be free, and which has 
been ill-treated and irritated, contrary to your intentions. Yet 
that nation, we render ourselve^^ guarantees, will never abuse the 
liberty which it claims. The Swiss have nothing more at heart 
than to attain a state of repose, in which, under the shield of 
a mild and just government, each inhabitant may enjoy his 
property and existence- We are convinced that we shall ar^ 
rive at that essential object of all social order, from the mo- 
ment that our Mill and our efforts shall be no longer fettered. 
General first consul, all Europe admires in you the supreme 
head of an immense power and empire, which withdUt doubt* 
according to your own views, will be directed to the good of 
humanity ; your magnanimity assures us, that you will not 
make use of it against a people who desire only what you have 
made them hope, and who wish only what they believe them-t 
selves authorized to do by yourself. Penetrated with eternal 
gratitude, the Swiss nation will do its endeavour to deserve 
the good will of the French governmeat, and will fulfill all 
the duties which arc imposed upon it by the desire of cultiva* 
ting good neighbourhood. 

" It is with the most distinguished respect that we remainj 
general first consul, 

Tlif defiuties of the Hclvetick Diet. 

" Schweitz, October 8, 1802. 

The following was immediately issued:.... 

PROCLAMATION 

Gf the Cou7icil of War of the S^uiss League to their Brothers i^ 

Arms. 

" Basle, October 12, 1803; 
" Friends and Brothers^ 
" When you separated yourselves from your wives, your 
children, your fathers, and your friends, to conquer for your 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. n7 

children, liberty, independence and prosperity, you abandon- 
ed with alacrity and courage your cottages and your flocks. 
This idea, " the God of our fathers is with us, and protects 
us," gave you force to brave all the dangers and to despise the 
fatigues of v/ar. You quitted with songs your mountains and 
your valleys to enter into the field and defend the cause of li- 
berty ai>d your country. The Alnnighty blessed your arms, 
and heard the just wishes of a nation know^only by its rec- 
titude, and which had armed for its liberty and independence. 
Our enemies, our oppressors, the aoi-dinant Helvctick govern- 
ment with its fecljle party have been chased almost to tlic 
frontiers of the confederate cantons. But brothers and friends, 
we have received a notification that if we did not by our con- 
duct give proofs of an entire confidence in the first cons\4l of 
the powerful nation of France, wlio has caused a declaration 
to be made by his envoy general Rapp to our fathers assem- 
bled at Schweitz, that he wishes to interpose as mediator in 
the war which we are carrying on against the odious Helve, 
tick government, we should be compelled to it by the victori- 
ous arms of the French warriors. Brothers, friends, confede- 
rates, who among us could conceive the thought of menacing 
ourselves with the numerous and experienced armies of 
France ? No, friends, no ; we wish to await peaceably the de- 
termination of ^he fiist consul ; and with that order, that mo- 
deration, and that discipline, which have hitherto guided your 
flteps, you will receive, we are convinced, tlie orders of your 
superiors, of your general ; and even, if it should be necessa- 
ray, you will return to your residences, in order that our coun- 
try may not be exhausted by the entrance of foreign troops ; 
that we may not be deprived of the scanty harvest of this year, 
which we hoped to consume with our children ; and that we 
may not be plunged into indigence and misery. It is only the 
Helvctick government, directed by its passions and its private 
interest, that could call in the aid of foreign troops ; we, who 



288 THE HISTORY OF 

took up arms only for our country and tranquillity, have no 
need of troops to attain our object. But, relying on our con- 
duct, we dare to hope, that the first consul of France, wha 
has guaranteed our independence, and who has been deceived 
by false reports, will as soon as he shall have been informed 
of the true state of things take measures, which will secure 
our honour, and the prosperity and independence of our coun- 
try. May the Almighty deign to grant this, who has caused 
us to make an important step towarks oui* future happiness, and 
crowned our arms with benediction." 

The French troops having entered Swit- 
zerland, the league was dissolved, and the 
new government reinstated in office. ...the can- 
tons and principal towns were required to 
send delegates to Paris to form a new consti- 
tution, which was arranged under the imme- 
diate inspection of the consul. 

The peace between Great-Britain and 
France was not destined to be of long 
duration.... the rancour vv^hich was displayed 
in the publick prints of both countries, and 
the non-fulfillment of the conditions of that 
treaty by the English ministry, manifested 
that a rupture was not very distant. The de- 
cision and firmness of Bonaparte during the 
discussion in which the two governments 
were involved previous to the commencement 
of the present war, were a great contrast to 
the wavering indeterminate spirit which fill- 
ed the British councils. The contest com- 
menced in May 1803, and it cannot be dis- 
puted that Bonaparte is indebted for his pre- 
sent preponderance to the regret which the 



■NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 289 

British government felt, that they should have/ 
acceded to the treaty, of Amiens. The threat 
of invasion which Bonaparte had personally 
delivered to lord Whitworth the English am- 
bassador, roused the spirit of all ranks of 
his countrymen, who prepared to resist the 
attempt v/ith unanimous ardour. On the 
other hand Bonaparte within a few days af- 
ter the declaration of war, commanded Mor- 
tier to take possession of the electorate of 
Hanover, which with a slight opposition sub- 
mitted to the French general. The English 
captured a few of the West-India islands, ex- 
cepting which the two nations continued iri 
statu quo, the one raaking immense prepara- 
tions under the pretext of invading Great- 
Britain, and the other waiting the assault, 
until the commencement of the late continen- 
tal war, which was finished in the short space 
of less than three months, including from Bo* 
naparte's joining the army to the treaty of 
Presburg. 

To support the government which he had 
formed, the consul established the legion of 
honour, into which all ranks of people were 
admitted whose talents and services had rais- 
ed them to eminence in the republick. But 
the most interesting event to Bonaparte indi- 
vidually, which has occurred among the vi- 
cissitudes of the present war was the con- 
spiracy concerted by the English ministry and 
which was to have be.en carried into effect 
by Georges, Pichegru and others j that the 
O a 



290 THE HISTORY OF 

design was laudable none can allow but those 
who consider " killing no murder:" the con- 
sequence of its being discovered was the 
death of the principals, and the appointment 
of various punishments for those who assisted 
in the scheme. ...Picnegru's fate excited much 
commiseration, because his former ardour and 
success in the republican cause had procured 
him the respect and esteem of all those who 
had existed during the terrifick scenes of the 
tevolution....but his delinquency and prema- 
ture death were absorbed in the louder sym- 
j)athy which every tender heart indulged on 
behalf of Moreau, that hero and patriot 
whose name will adorn the history of France 
and of the age, of whom every tongue 
speaks with rapture, and whose character 
every man contemplates with unalloyed de- 
light: that he was guilty of any design to 
disturb Bonaparte in the exalted station to 
which he was raised is so preposterous ar^ 
idea as to require no refutation : but his per* 
sonal situation, and the state of the world at 
that juncture, will justify the adoption of an 
cpinion to which the general will fully assent, 
that the generosity of his heart, the urbanity 
of his temper, his politeness and the remem- 
brance of his former intimacy with Piche- 
gru combined, led him into a dilemma from 
which he could not extricate himself, and 
which forced him to submit to those painful 
circumstances in which he was afterwards in- 
volved, though his conduct can barely deserve 



NAPOLEON BONAPAHTE. 291 

•St rmm , i T» i ,11., , — ■ ,- — ■i,,w.--*.»i I. ■ ,i.». M ■■ ■, ■,.. — ■^— .. . I II I. ■^« M P>j_— ii..,i. im j t 

to be deemed an indiscretion ; Georges, Pi- 
chegru, and about forty others were commit- 
ted to the Temple, and a warrant was imme- 
diately issued to apprehend Moreau. He was 
arrested in his carriage on the 15th of Fe- 
bruary, 1804, on the road from his country 
seat Gros Bois, to Paris: when Moncey,' 
who was accompanied by 50 gens d'armes, 
ordered the coachman to stop, the general 
looked out of the window, and with the ut- 
most coolness requested his coachman to 
drive him to the Abbey ; his servant replied 
with indignation and warmth, " No, general, 
they may conduct you there that will, not I ;'* 
upon which he left the boK, and one of the 
soldiers performed that duty. He continued 
in the Abbey three days only, being removed 
thence to the Temple, and it must be acknow- 
ledged that his confinement was most unjus- 
tifiably rigorous ; and here may it not be ask^ 
ed, have any government the right to divest 
a man of the tenderness and solace of his fa^ 
mily and friends, even supposing him to be 
guilty of the crimes v/ith which he is charge 
ed, at the time when he most needs their at^ 
tention ? but in this case the fact is indispu- 
table, that the French government were pert 
fectly convinced of Moreau's innocence, as 
all civilized nations are at this moment. 

On the 30th of May, 1804, after an im- 
prisonment of more than three months, he 
was arraigned and tried with the other state pri? 
§Qnets,. Of tb^ advocate § whp offered tQ 



592 THE HISTORY OF 



plead for him, he accepted the services of 
Chaveaux Lagarde, a man of uncommon elor 
qiience. The curiosity and anxiety of the 
pubhc were so strongly excited, that the 
doors of the palace of justice were crowded 
by break of day, and the neighbouring streets 
filled with persons eager to hear the tri^l....he 
was dressed in the clothes which he wore at 
the battle of Hohenlinden. The indictments 
were read ; the crimes alledged against him 
were: Not having denounced Pichegru in 
the year 5, at the detection of his criminality 
,...a reconciliation and culpable relation with 
Pichegru in England, through the agency of 
David and Lajolais... .having engaged to es- 
tablish the princes of the house of Bourbon 
upon the throne of France. ...having had inter- 
views with Pichegru at Paris, and rejected 
certain overtures, but substituted others 
which had for their object the overthrow of 
the consular government. ...and of not having 
denounced the conspiracy. 

Plis counsel most ably defended him against 
these several charges, proving their futility 
and absurdity: whilst he was arguing the im- 
propriety of introducing the first allegation 
against him, Moreau interposed and said, " If 
*' I erred, it was an error against the directo- 
" ry, which has since been suffiiciently expi- 
" ated by my having gained thirty battles and 
" saved two armies." Lagarde having con- 
cluded his defence, a profound silence pre- 
vailed for several minutes, when the general 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. ?-92 



rose with all the firmness of conscious inno- 
cence, and delivered that exquisite address to 
the court, which is infinitely superior to all 
eulogy :.... 

" Gentlemen, 

" In presenting myself before you, I have to beg that you 
will favour me -with a personal hearing for a few minutes. My 
confidence in the counsel whom I have retained is unbound- 
ed ; to them I resigned without reserve, the defence of my 
innocence ; and through their medium alone did I wish to ad- 
dress the court ; but my feelings tell me I must now my- 
self say something to you and to the nation. 

" Some events in the life of the most virtuous men living 
maybe obscured by unfortunate circumstances, effected either 
by chance or by malevolence. Finesse and artifice may do 
away suspicion from a criminal, and may seem to prove his 
innocence ; but the surest way to judge an impeached man is 
by the general tcnour of his conduct through life. In this way 
then, I shall speak to my persecutors. My actions liave been 
publick enough I conceive, to be well known. I shall call to 
your recollection but a lev/ of them ; and the witnesses whom I 
desire to bring forward on this occasion are the French peo- 
ple themselves, and the nations whom France has conquered. 

" At the commencement of the revolution, which was to 
establish our independence, I v/as devoted to the study of the 
law ; but the scene was now changed, and I became a soldier,' 
It was not from motives of ambition that I enrolled my name, 
among the defenders of liberty. I engaged in the profession 
of arms to defend the rights of the nation, and became a war- 
I'ior because I felt myself a citizen. This character I carried 
with me into the ranks, and I preserved it free from blemish. 
The more I became enraptured with independence, the more 
xeadily I submited to discipline. 



594 THE HISTORY OF 

" My promotion, though rapid, was not procured by fawn- 
ing to the committees, and by overleaping the customary- 
grades. It was the gradual reward of services rendered to my 
country. When I obtained the chief command, when victory 
prepared our way through hostile nations, my principal care 
was to impress on them respect for the character of the 
French people and a dread of their power. War, under my 
direction, was a scourge only in tlie field of battle. This, our 
enemies in the midst of their ravaged plains, have done me 
the justice to acknowledge ; which perhaps, has been of 
n^ore use to the nation than victory itself, 

*' Such a line of conduct, at a time when contrary maxim* 
seemed prevalent in the committees of the government, never 
once exposed me to the persecution or calumny of either par- 
ty. Previous to the lOth of Fructidor, no cloud had arisen to 
obscure the laurels which I had won. The most active of 
those who v.'ere employed in the events of that too memorable 
day reproached me with tardiness in denouncing a man whora 
I regarded as a brother in arms, as long as by the evidence 
of facts I was not fully convinced that he was unjustly accus- 
ed. The directory, to whom alone the particulars of my cpn- 
duct were sufficiently known to draw conclusions from them, 
and who, it is well known, were not much inclined to indul?- 
gence, loudly proclaimed me free from fault. They again em- 
ployed me in the field ; not indeed in a very brilliant capg,- 
city, but in one which soon became ostensible. 

" The nation, I dare presume, has not yet forgotten how 
faithfully I discharged the trust reposed in me. It has not 
forgotten with how much readiness I took a subordinate com- 
mand in Italy, and conquered my feelings upon the occasion. 
It has not forgotten that I was re-established in the chief com-? 
inand by the ill success of our armies, and that I was again 
made a general, in consequence of our misfortunes. It undoubt? 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 295 

edly remembers that I twice supplied the wants of the army 
trith the spoils of the vanquished, and that after having twice 
placed it in a condition to cope with the Russians and Austriansj 
I twice resigned the command of it, to take another of much 
greater responsibility. 

" At that period of my life I was not a more determined re- 
publican than I had been before, but I appeared so by becom- 
ing more conspicuous. On me alone the notice and confidence 
of such as could at pleasure give the government that bias which 
they pleasird, seemed to be entirely placed. They proposed 
to me as it is very well known to become the head of a popular 
commotion similar to that of the 18th Brumaire ; so that my 
ambition, had it aspired much, could have easily clothed it- 
self in all the appearances, nay even in the glory of the most 
refined sentiments of patriotism. 

" The proposals were made to me by characters who stood 
very high in the annals of the revolution, as ardent lovers of 
their country, and as men of eminent talents in our national 
assemblies. Their offers however, I disdained to embrace; 
for although I felt myself adequate to the task of commanding 
the armies of the republick, I had no wish to command the 
republick itself. 

" I was at Paris on the 1 8th of Brumaire, ftnd that revolu- 
tionary epoch which had been brought about by others, and to 
which I was a total stranger, could not in the least alarm my 
conscience. As it Was directed by a man whose fame was 
emblazoned in the most brilliant characters, it had naturally 
brought my mind to hope for favourable results, and I there- 
fore seconded his endeavours to the utmost of my power ; al- 
though opposite parties v/ere eagerly soliciting me to avow 
myself his opponent. I obeyed the orders of Bonaparte at 
Paris, and by so doing I assisted in raising him to that de- 
gree of power which circumaVaAces seemed to jusiify. 



295 THE HISTORY OF 

" Some time after, when he offered me the chief command 
of the army on the Rhine, I accepted it from him with as 
much devotioh as if it had been giveii me by the republick. 
Never were my mihtary successes more rapid, more nume- 
rous, or more decisive, than at that period ; the splendour of 
which was reflected on tlie government by which I am now 
accused. 

'^ Wlien I returned from the scene of so many triumphs, 
the chief advantage of whicli was the estabhshment of a conti- 
nental peace my journey was cheered in every quarter by- 
shouts of national gratitude. 

« Was this then a moment to become a traitof, even if my 
mind had been capable of entertaining such a design ! No one 
is insensible of the attachment which armies have to favoui'ite 
leaders who have led them to victory. Suppose one of these 
were an ambitious traitor, would he not have taken advantage 
of the time when he had an hundred thousand victorious 
troops at his disposal to execute his projects, instead of re- 
turning to the bosom of a nation still in a state of ferment, 
and uncertain as to the form and duration of its political ex- 
istence ? 

" My only wish was to disband the army, and bury myself 
in the retreats of civil life. 

" In that repose, which I am far from thinking inglorious, 
I certainly preserved my honour, of which no human power 
can ever deprive me. I enjoyed the remembrance of my past 
actions, the testimonies of my conscience, the esteem of my 
fellow-citizens and foreigners, and I dare presume the voice 
of posterity will declare the uprightness of my conduct. 

" I was in possession of a fortune which could be tliought 
great only as my desires were moderate, and my consci- 
ence could not accuse me of having acquii'ed it unfairly. I 
fully enjoyed the emoluments granted me on my retreat from 
the army. I was indeed content with my lot, for I never en- 
vied the lot of any man living. I was surrounded by friends, 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 29 

who had no more to expect from my credit and fortune, but 
who still adhered to me from motives of personal attachment. 
My mind was so completely occupied by these blessings the 
only ones which I was ever enabled to value highlyj that no 
ambitious desire could possibly intrude. How then should it 
be suddenly open to criminal designs ? 

" So well was my way of thinking known, so totally di- 
verted wei-e my ideas from the paths of ambition, that from 
the victory of Hohenlihden to the day of my alTest, no one 
could accuse me of any other crime than that of talking free- 
ly, and indeed my conversation was often favourable to the 
measures of government. But if by accident it were not al- 
v/ays so, how could I imagine that to be a crime in a nation 
which had so often decreed the liberty of thought and speech, 
and which even under its kings had so fully enjoyed that pri- 
vilege ! 

*' I must confess that as I was born with an openness of 
disposition which characterises the country in which I first 
drew breath, I could not easily lose it in camps where every 
thing conspires to heighten its effects or in a revolution, 
where it was so often extolled as a virtue in individuals, and 
recommended as a duty to citizens at large. But do conspi- 
tators talk loudly on matters which they disapprove ? Can can- 
dour and fair dealing be connected with the mysterious and 
dark machinations of intriguing men ? 

" If I had v/is'hed to carry any secret plans into execution, 
I should have dissembled rny real sentiments, and courted an 
employment which v/ould have given me the command of the 
national forces. I had instances enough of success in under- 
takings of such a nature, to miake me sanguine. I knew that 
Monk, in the execution of his designs, did not withdraw from 
the reach of his army, and that Brutus and Cassius approach- 
ed the heart of Cssar only to pierce it. 

P P. 



S58 THE HISTORY OF 



" Mat^istrates, 1 have nothing more to say. Such has beeii 
my character, and such my conduct through life. I solemnly 
call heaven and earth to witness the innocence and integrity of 
jny intentions. You know your duty. France awaits your 
decision ; Europe contemplates your proceedings ; arid poste- 
rity will determine the propriety of your judgment." 

The general was adjudged to be imprison- 
ed for two years, which sentence was com- 
muted to retirement from France : he chose 
the land of liberty as his future abode, and 
arrived in the United States on the twenty -fifth 
of August 1805 : although secluded from the 
world he is not forgotten ; and all those sen-* 
timents of respect and admiration which can 
inflame the heart, are still, and always will 
\>e predominant in every bosom, when his 
virtues, talents and excellence are contem- 
plated. 

On the ninth of June Madame de Polignac 
waited upon the emperor at St. Cloud, and 
in all the agony of distress importunately sup- 
plicated him for the pardon of her husband. 
She ha.d been from six in the morning with 
the empress, who in the kindest and most af- 
fectionate manner, had not only supported and 
encouraged her, but had contrived the means 
of an interview with the emperor. The em- 
peror regarded her with attention, and seem- 
ed to be very much moved by her attitude and 
tears. '' 1 am astonished^" said his imperi- 
al majesty, " that monsieur de Polignac,- 
whom I remember as the companion of mj 
youth at the military school, should have en- 



NA , E. 29§» 

gaged in such an odious transaction. But 
as the attempt was made against my own Hfe, 
I may be justified in pardoning him ; and I 
pardon him accordingly." On the eleventh 
of June, the sister and aunt of Monsieur dc 
Riviere went to St. Cloud, to implore the 
clemency of the emperor in favour of their 
unhappy relative condemned to death. The 
emperor granted to the tears of his family 
the pardon w^hich it solicited : and on the 
following day Mademoiselle Lajolais went 
alone to express her despair to Madame 
Louis Bonaparte. Her imperial highness 
received her with that goodness of heart of 
which the empress had given such an aifect- 
ing example. She conducted the weeping 
girl immediately to St. Cloud. Her tears and 
supplications obtained the pardon of her fa- 
ther. When his majesty observed that this 
was the second time her father had been guil- 
ty of a crime against the state, " Sire," replied 
Mademoiselle Lajolais, in the accents of in- 
genuousness, her voice interrupted with sobs 
and tears...." The first time, my father was 
without doubt innocent, but now I suppli- 
cate of you his pardon." The pardon of M, 
Bouvet de Lozier was granted the same day 
to Mademoiselle Bouvet his sister, under the 
auspices of the princess Murat. 

Whilst these trials were pending, the duke 
d'Enghien was seized in the territories of 
the margrave of Baden by a body of French 
troops who had been dispatched for that 



300 THE HISTORY OF 

purpose, and conducted to Paris. At the tem- 
ple they found an order to proceed to Vincen- 
nes, where a mihtary commission was as-^ 
sembled to try him. ...this farce hke most 
other mihtary examinations, for they can sel- 
dom be dii>;nilied with the name of a fair im- 
partial scrutiny being ended, he was sen- 
tenced to death. The castle clock having 
struck two, the drum beat to arms, as a sig- 
nal for the execution ; he was led to the great 
oak of St. Louis by the light of torches, and 
encountered death with undismayed fortitude. 
That the duke was a very active member of the 
conspiracy which was atthat crisis formed to as- 
sassinate Bonaparte, and consequently to over- 
throw the existing government will not admit 
of a doubt ; but that the means which the consul 
used to secure him, and the premature death 
which he suffered were in any respect consist- 
ent either with the law of nations, or with that 
justice which is due to every man, it would be 
extremely difficult to demonstrate : although 
blood demands blood, and the conspiring to 
kill another is part of the crime of murder, 
yet human life must not be lightly sacrificed ; 
the clearest evidence of the fact should be 
made indispensably requisite, and the punish™ 
ment of death ought not to be inflicted, but 
after the most serious research ; which seems 
hardly possible in those temporary courts of 
military men, who are judges and jury both, 
and who certainly never ought to be allowed 
to award a sentence of death without the 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 801 



approbation of twelve others of their coun- 
trymen, solemnly delivered after the usual 
patient investigation of a court of justice. 

On the first of May 1804, the tribunate 
decreed, " That the government pf the re- 
publick should be intrusted to an emperor, 
and that the office should be hereditary in 
the family of Napoleon Bonaparte." The 
senate decreed and published the new consti- 
tution on the eleventh : and on the twentieth, 
he was proclaimed " Emperor of the 
French*" 



Bonaparte exalted to the Imperial dignity^ 



IMMEDIATELY after the consul was 
proclaimed emperor of the French, every me-^ 
thod was adopted to give stability to the new 
form of government ; all the splendour and 
appendages of royalty, the etiquette of courts, 
and the magnificence of its ofiicers were 
introduced without delay, and to perpetuate 
the important events of which Bonaparte had 
been the principal mover, a new festival 
was appointed, his birth-day, which has 
been constantly celebrated on its annual re- 
turn with the most unbounded pomp. - 

The ceremony of his coronation was splend^ 
id beyond all conception ; to authorize and 
sanction his imperial dignity, the Pope was 
requested to visit Paris, and to be present at 
his formal elevation to the first rank among 
the monarchs of Europe. ...it was solemnized 
on Frimaire 1 1th, Sunday December second 
1804: the coronation ornaments of Charle- 
magne were born before him in his proces-- 
sion to the church of Notre Dame. He en^ 



THE HISTORY OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 503 

tered the cathedral with the crown placed 
previously upon his head by himself : the 
horses which drew the emperor's coach belong- 
ed formerly to the king of England at Hano- 
ver. At the moment their majesties entered 
the porch, .the Pope descended from the 
throne, and advancing to the altar, sang Veni 
Creator ! The emperor and the empress offer- 
ed prayers upon their cushions ; his holiness 
bestowed a triple unction on the head of the 
one, and on the two hands of the other. 
He then performed mass ; after the mass, 
the Pope read prayers separately over both 
crowns, the sceptre, the sword, and the 
hand of justice. When all these were conse- 
crated, Bonaparte replaced them, and him- 
self crowned the empress. The Pope fol- 
lowed the emperor to the throne, where, af- 
ter kissing him on the cheek, he cried aloud 
to the audience, " Fivat Imperator in ceter- 
num /" After the elevation of the host, and 
the Agnus Dei, Bonaparte, with the crown 
upon his head, and his hand upon the gos- 
pel, pronounced the oath ; when, the chief 
Herald at arms proclaimed, in a loud tone of 
voice : " The most glorious and most august 
emperor Napoleon, emperor of the French, 
is crowned ! Long live the emperor !" 

Aware of the popularity, which would ne- 
cessarily arise to him from a repetition of that 
measure which when Consul had so material- 
ly exalted his character, under the impressi- 
on of his moderation and love of peace ; he re- 



304 THE HISTORY OF 

solved to make another attempt to dissipate 
the clouds which portended the most fearful 
effects to the two contending nations. With 
this view he dispatched a letter written by 
himself to the king of England, and defying 
the narrow policy which demands a formality 
not useless only, but also pernicious, he ar- 
gues like a man who coiild lose nothing by 
war, but to whom the comfort of those 
whom he governed was an object supremely 
interesting to his heart : the answer which 
was returned by the British minister was un- 
satisfactory, unmeaning, and evasive. As a 
correspondence between these dignified per- 
sonages, is a very rare occurrence, the letters 
are too valuable to be omitted. 

xetter from the emperor to the king of england. 
" Sire my brother, 

" Called to the throne of France by Providence, by the suf- 
frages of the Senate, the people and the army, my first sen- 
timent is the wish of peace. France and England are destroy- 
ing their prosperity ; they may contend for ages. But their 
governments, do they fulfill faithfully the most sacred of their 
duties ? And so much blood shed unnecessarily and without 
any prospect of an end, does it not accuse them in their own 
consciences ? — I attach no dishonour to making the first step. 
I hav€ siifBciently I think, proved to the world that I fear 
not any of the chances of war ; it offers me nothing of which 
I ought to be afraid. Peace is the wish of my heart ; but 
war has never been adverse to my glory. I conjure your ma- 
jesty not to refuse to yourself the happiness of giving peace to 
the \Yoxld ; let not this sweet satisfaction be left to your chil- 
dren. For in short, there never existed a fairer opportunity, 
©r a more favourable moment, to put an end to all the passi- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. SOS 

ons, and to listen only to the sentiments of humanity and of 
reason. This moment once lost, what term of duration can 
be assig;ned to a war which all my efforts shall have been un- 
able to bring to a close ? Your majesty has gained more in 
territory and in riches during the last ten years, than the 
whole extent of Europe ; your nation is at the highest pitch 
of prosperity. What is she to expect from war ? To coalesce 
some of the powers of the continent ? The continent will re- 
main tranquil. A coalition would only increase the preponde- 
rance and continental grandeur of France. To renew the 
troubles in the interior ? The times are no longer the same- 
To destroy our finances ? Finances founded upon a good 
agriculture can never be destroyed. To deprive France of her 
colonies ? The colonies are with France a secondary object 
only ; and does not your majesty possess already more thati 
you can maintain ? If your majesty will think seriously, you 
will perceive that the war is without an object, and without 
any presumeable result. Alas 1 what a melancholy prospect, 
to make men fight for the sake of fighting ! The world is 
large enough for our two nations to live in, and reason is suf- 
ficiently powerful to find out the means of reconciliation if a 
suitable disposition to be reconciled exist on both sides. I 
have meanwhile fulfilled a duty holy and precious to my heart. 
May your majesty believe in the sincerity of the sentiments 
which I have just expressed to you, and in my desire of giv- 
ing you proofs of it. 

Paris, \2thjVivose, year 13, Jan. 2, 1805. 

»' BONAPARTE." 

LETTER 

From Lord MuLGRAVE to his cxcellmcyM.de Talletrand^ 
minister of foreign affairs . 
" His majesty has received the letter which has been ad- 
dressed to him by the chief of the French government, dated 
the second of the present month. 



306 THE HISTORY OF 



" There is no object which his majesty has more at heart 
than to seize the first opportunity of procuring anew to his 
subjects the advantages of a peace founded on a basis not in* 
compatible with the permanent security and the essential in- 
terests of his states. His majesty is persuaded that this object 
cannot be obtained but by arrangements which must at the 
same time provide for the future safety and tranquillity of Eu- 
rope, and to prevent the renewal of those dangers and misfor- 
tunes by which she has found herself surrounded. 

" Conformably to this sentiment, his majesty feels it impos- 
sible to reply more particularly to the overture which has been 
made to him, until he has had time to communicate with those 
powers of the continent with whom he is engaged in confiden* 
tial intercourse and connection, and especially with the empe- 
I'or of Russia, who has given the strongest proofs of the wise 
and dignified sentiments with which he is animated, and of 
the lively interest he takes in the safety and independence of 
Europe. 

« MULGRAVE." 

Doivning'Street, lith January, 1805. 

A short time only had elapsed after this 
overture for peace was made, previous to the 
attendance of a large deputation from the le- 
gislative body at the French court, and who 
with the customary forms through the medium 
of their president Fontaines, delivered their 
address, to which the French emperor replied* 

Gentlemen deputies from the legislative body, 
« When I resolved to write to the king of England, I made 
a sacrifice of the most dutiful sentiments, and the purest mo- 
tives. I was influenced by a desire to spare the blood of my 
people. I shall always be ready to make the same sacrifices : 
ily fame, toy happiness, I have placed in the welfare of the 
present geijeration. I was desirous, as far as lay in my powf 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE." 30/ 



er, lo render philanthropick and magnanimous ideas, the pre- 
valent ones of the present age. It belongs to me, whoses 
sentiments cannot be ascribed to weakness, it belongs to us, 
to the most humane, the most enlightened, and most benevo- 
lent people, to remind the nations of Europe, that they make 
together but one family, and every undertaking which they ex- 
ecute in their civil divisions, militates against the general war-? 
fare. Gentlemen of the legislative body, I depend upon your 
assistance, as well as upon the valour of my army." 

On the eighteenth of March, the members 
of the consuha visited Bonaparte at the 
Thuilleries, who received them on his throne> 
in the presence of the princes, and the great 
officers of state. The vice-president Mr, 
Melzi briefly addressed him, and then read 
to him the resolutions of the consuka, where- 
by he was declared king of Italy with the 
throne hereditary in his male descendents ; 
but that the two crowns could be united irE 
his person only, as no future emperor o£ 
France could be king of Italy : to this they 
added the right to appoint his successor and 
even to resign his crown whilst living ; and 
requested his acceptance of the new dignity. 
To their wish he consented, remarking 
^^ That he would keep the crown until he 
'^ should be able to transfer it to a younger 
" person who would continue his work, and 
*' be ready to sacrifice his life to the happi- 
" ness of the people over whom providence, 
*^ the constitution, and his wiU should call 
^* him to reign, "^ 



SGg THE HISTORY OF 

The following note was received by Mr. 
Livingston the American ambassador a short 
time previous to his departure from Paris, and 
was addressed to him by the emperor's order : 

« Paris^ Aliril 1805. 
*' I have thought it would be particularly agreeable to you, 
to be able to encourage in your own country a taste for the 
arts, and with this view I have the honour to send you a col- 
lection of the old and new Calcography of the fathers and bro- 
thers Piranisi. These engraved and coloured designs will be 
advantageously placed in the museum of New York, and will 
moreover demonstrate the intei-est with which you have inspir- 
ed us for whatever may contribute to the instruction and ac- 
complishment of your young countrymen. 

" I intreat you, Sir, to accept the assurances of my high 

consideration. 

« C. M. TALLEYRAND." 

This valuable collection which Mr. Li- 
vingston brought with him to the United 
States consisted of 24 folio volumes of prints, 
with several port folios, containing copies in 
oil and water colours from Raphael and from 
Antiques, views of Constantinople, Cairo, 
&c. &:c. 

The coronation of the emperor as king of Ita- 
ly was performed in Milan on the twenty-third 
of May, with every degree of brilliancy ; 
the presence of the principal officers of the 
French court increasing the effect which it 
was intended to produce : the trappings of 
monarchy were instantaneously added.... the 
great state officers were appointed with pro- 
fuse salaries, and the whole regime definitive- 
ly established. 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. S»» 

The French and Russian courts had been, 
negociating during the whole year, thereby 
to avert the war with which the British go- 
vernment were endeavouring to inflame the 
European continent ; but their discussions, 
were closed on the tenth of July ; the Russian, 
minister being ordered to return to Peters-, 
burg, although he had arrived at Berlin on 
his way to Paris. During the whole year 
large bodies of troops had been collecting by 
France and Austria.. ..the former stationed in 
June 25,000 men near Marengo ; 32.000 in 
Lombardy and Mantua, 12,000 in Piedmont, 
16,000 in the kingdom of Naples, 20,000 in 
Genoa, Tuscany, and the Papal dominions ; 
besides 15,000 Italian regulars: the troops 
of the latter amounted to 60,000 men in Ty^ 
xol and the Venetian states, whilst the Rus- 
sians and English formed a body of 20,000 
in the Mediterranean. 

About the latter end of August, the war- 
like preparations on the part of Russia and 
Austria were so evident that Bonaparte vi- 
sited Boulogne to direct the march of the 
soldiers from the coast to the Rhine : thirty 
thousand fresh troops were likevv'ise ordered 
to be immediately raised, and the army of re-, 
serve was directed to actual service. 

The Austrian army was increased to 
100,000 men encamped at Wels : on the 
fourth of September general Mack was ap- 
pointed commander in Germany, the Arch-? 
^uke Charles in Italy and Tyrol, and the, 



310 THE HISTORY OT 



Arch-duke Ferdinand to the army of the Vo- 
ralberg. 

That short but unparallelled campaign 
was begun by the Austrians, who on the se- 
venth of September, crossed the Inn at 
Burhausen in two colums ; one column ar- 
rived on the tenth at Landshut, the other 
inarched towards Munich. The Austrians 
after crossing the Inn, took possession of 
nearly the whole of Bavaria, and garrisoned 
all the principal cities on the Danube.... the 
Bavarian troops immediately retired to Wurtz- 
burg, whither the elector had retired with 
his court and the whole army was assembled 
in that city. 

The commencement of hostilities by the 
Austrians produced increased exertions on 
the part of the French government, so that 
in less than a month, the encampment at Bou- 
logne which had been formed for the alledg- 
ed purpose of invading England disappear- 
ed, and the whole army in that interval 
inarched through the kingdom, and arrived 
with all their military stores, equipage, &c, 
on the Rhine, where Bonaparte assumed the 
command. Massena was appointed command- 
er in chief in Italy : he arrived at the head- 
quarters Valeggio, on the 10th Fructidor, 
August twenty-seventh : having examined 
the fortifications of Mantua and declared 
them impregnable, he waited for the com- 
mencement of hostilities with his whole force 
stationed along the Adige. The grand army 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 3H 



having reached Strasburg, Bonaparte pre- 
pared to join them : previous to his depar- 
ture he assembled the senate, and deUvered 
the following address : 

. Senators : 

« In the present circumstances of Europe, I feel the neces- 
sity of appearing in the midst of you, and of making known 
to you my sentiments. 

« I am about to quit my capital to put myself at the head 
of my army, to carry a speedy succour to my allies and to de- 
fend the dearest interests of my people. 

" The wishes of the eternal enemies of the continent are 
accomplished; war has begun in the heart of Germany. 
Austria and Russia have united with England, and our gene- 
ration is drawn anew into the calamities of war. A few 
days ago, I still hoped that peace would not be distui-bed ; 
menaces and outrages found me impassible ; but the Austri- 
an army has crossed the Inn, Munich is invaded, the Elect- 
or of Bavaria is driven out of his capital ; and all my hopes 
are vanished. 

" It is at this instant that the wickedness of the enemies of 
the continent has unveiled itself. They wei'e yet apprehen- 
sive of the manifestation of my profound love of peace ; they 
were apprehensive lest Austria, at the sight of the abyss which 
they have dug under her footsteps, should return to sentiments 
of justice and moderation ; they have hurxned her into war. 
I am grieved at the blood which it will cost Europe ; but the 
French name will obtain new lustre from it. 

" Senators, when at your desire, at the voice of the whole 
French people, I set the imperial crown upon my head, I re- 
ceived from you, from every citizen, the engagement to 
maintain it pure and unsullied. My people have given me in 
every circumstance, proofs of their confidence and thtir love. 



!12 THE HISTORY OF 



They -vvill fly under the colours of the emperor and of his ar- 
my, which in a few days will have passed the frontiers. 

" Magistrates, soldiers, and citizens, all wish to maintain, 
the country free from the influence of England, who, if she 
prevailed, would grant to us a peace characterized by ignominy 
and shame only, and the principal conditions of which would 
be the burning of our fleets, the filling up of our ports and 
the annihilation of our industry. 

" All the promises which I have made to the French people I 
have kept. The French people, in their turn, have made no 
engagement with me which they have not surpassed. In this 
circumstance so important for their glory and mine, they will 
continue to merit that name of great people, with which I sa- 
luted them in the midst of the field of battle, 

" Frenchmen, your emperor will do his duty, my soldiers 
will do theirs, you will do yours." 

Bonaparte left Paris on the twenty-fifth of 
September, on the same day that the French be- 
gan to cross the Rhine. At this juncture the 
contending armies were thus situated. The 
Austrian hne extended from the borders of 
Hungary to Switzerland, including Italy and 
Bavaria, with a body of reserve in Bohemia. 
The whole amounted to 200,000 men, 70,000 
of which were to act in Italy, and the re- 
mainder against Bonaparte. The Russians 
amounted to 110,000 men in Galiicia, who 
v/ere divided into two corps and were march- 
ing with all speed to form a junction w-ith the 
Austrians. The French troops were stated 
at 140,000 men, under the immediate directi- 
on of Bonaparte, and 70,000 commanded by 
Massena in Italy. The Austrians hastened 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 



through Bavaria to oppose the progress of 
the French army v/hich had crossed the 
Rhine, and who were aided by the co-opera- 
tion of the elector of Bavaria, the duke of 
Wirtemberg, and the margrave of Baden, 

Previous to the commencement of mihtary 
operations, Bonaparte issued this proclama- 
tion :.... 

Soldiers ! ^^.. 

« The war of the third coalition has begun.... the Austrian 
army has passed the Inn, violated treaties, and has attacked 
and driven our ally from his capital. You yourselves have 
been compelled to advance by forced maixhes to the defence 
of our frontiers. Already you have passed the Rhine. We 
will not stop until we have secured the independence of the 
Germanick body, assisted our allies, and confounded the pride 
of unjust aggressors. We will not again make peace v/ithout 
a sufficient guarantee. Our policy shall no more give way to 
our generosity. 

" Soldiers I Your emperor is in the midst of you ; you are 
^.the advanced guard only of a great people. If it should be 
necessary they will all arise at my voice to confound and dis- 
solve this new league, which has been formed by the hatred 
and the gold of England. 

'' But Soldiers, we shall have forced marches to make, fa- 
tigues and privations of every kind to endure. Whatever ob- 
stacles may be opposed to us, we will overcome them, and we 
will take no rest until we have planted our eagles on the ter- 
ritory of our allies. 

« NAPOLEON." 

Immediately after the French army had, 
crossed the Rhine, its different divisions ad- 
vanced with the utmost rapidity into Suabia 
R R 



314 THE HISTORY OF 

and the heart of Germany. On the 14th 
Vendemiaire, October sixth, Souh's division 
by a forced march arrived at Donawerth, and 
after a shght skirmish with a body of Austri- 
ans took possession of the bridge over the 
Wernitz....Murat the next morning, arrived 
with his dragoons, hastened to the Lech, 
charged the Austrians who were stationed to 
defend the passage of that river, forced 
them to retreat, and secured the bridge. 
Souh with his corps continued their march 
towards Augsburg, whilst St. Hilaire ap- 
proached that city on the opposite bank. On 
the 16th, eighth, Murat with a squadron of 
cavalry proceeded to cut off the road between 
Ulm and Augsburg : on arriving at Wertin- 
gen, they were opposed by a corps of Au- 
strian infantry.... Murat instantly surrounded 
the whole body, and being soon after joined 
by Lasnes, who accompanied the cavalry in 
their march, an engagement commenced 
which continued two hours, and ended in the 
capture of the whole corps, 4,000 privates, 
the colours, cannon, baggage, and the grea- 
ter part of the officers. Col. Maupelet, who 
began the attack at Wertingen, was mortally- 
wounded during the action.. ..dying, he utter- 
ed this encomium upon the regiment which 
he commanded: " Let the emperor be in- 
" formed that the ninth regiment of dragoons 
" proved itself worthy of the reputation 
" which it has acquired ; that it attacked and 
" conquered amidst the cries of ^ Long live 
I' the Emperor." 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 315 

On the twelfth of October, Bonaparte 
wrote to the prefect and the other officers of 
the city of Paris :.... 

" Messieurs the Prefect and Mayors of our good city of PariSf 
" Our troops having at the battle of Wertingen defeated 
twelve battalions of grenadiers, with the flower of the Austri- 
an cavalry, all their artillery remaining in our hands, as also 
a great number of prisoners and eight stand of colours, we 
have resolved to make a present of the colours to our good ci- 
ty of Paris, and of two pieces of cannon to remain at the Ho- 
tel de Ville. We desire that our good city of Paris recog- 
nise in this memorial and token the love that we bear her, 
which will be so much the more precious to her as it was her 
governor who commanded our troops at the battle of Wertin- 
gen. This letter having no other object, we pray God to take 
you into his holy keeping." 

Soult entered Augsburg on the 17th, ninth, 
Davoust entered Neuberg, Bernadotte was 
posted at Ingolstadt, and Murat stationed 
himself at Zusmerhausen, where he was 
soon after joined by Lasnes and his corps : 
here Bonaparte reviewed the dragoons. One 
of the dragoons named Marente was present- 
ed to him as a brave man who at the crossing 
of the Lech had saved the life of his captain, 
although he had on the day before deprived 
him of his commission; the courage and 
magnanimity which this act displayed, induc- 
ed Bonaparte to present him with the Eagle of 
the legion of Honour.. ..upon which Marente 
replied, " I did nothing more than my duty...,, 
my captain disgraced me for neglect of dis.- 
cipline, but he knows that I have always becB 
a good soldier." 



316 THE HISTORY OF 

The vv^hole of the army continued upon a ^ 
forced march during these events ; Bonaparte 
himself was their example ; to him night and 
day were similar ; wherever his presence was 
needful he was instantaneously to be found ; 
he rode forty miles daily, and unattended re- 
posed in the meanest accommodations. 

The rapidity with which Bonaparte exe- 
cuted his design, reflects great credit on him 
in his military capacity. His object was to 
destroy the Austrian army previous to its 
junction widi the Russians, v/ho were repre- 
sented to be on their march with all possible 
expedition to unite with general Mack, whose 
forces were concentrated at Ulm, and with 
the exception of 15,000 men under prince 
Ferdinand, who had been detached towards 
Bohemia, commanded the whole of the army 
destined to act in Germany. On the day af- 
ter the battle at Wertingen, the armies en- 
countered each other at Gunzburgh ; the con- 
test was exceedingly obstinate ; the Austrians 
made a very vigorous resistance on the bridge, 
but it was carried by the French, and six 
pieces of cannon taken; the loss of the Aus- 
trians amounted to 2/500 men, of whom 1,200 
were prisoners. 

When Marmont's army crossed the Lech, 
Bonaparte was present ; he desired each re- 
giment to form in a circle, and then address- 
ed them on the situation of the Austrians, 
the approach of a general engagement, and 
expressed unbounded confidence in their bra- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. Sir 

very. Although there was a heavy fall of 
snow at the time, the roads knee deep in 
mud, and the weather extremely cold, the 
army evinced the ardour which had before 
distinguished them, and by their animation 
presaged the victory which was to follow. 
These various movements of the French 
troops, which rendered their situation almost 
inexpugnable ; entirely severed the commu- 
nication of the Austrian army, and left them 
insulated in a small district from which there 
V\^as no escape but by forcing their way 
through the m.ain body of the French army. 
By a march through the Prussian territory of 
Anspach, Bernadotte had advanced to Mu- 
nich, whilst the army extended from Mem- 
mingen to Augsburg, Burgaw, Newburg, 
Ingolstadt and Donawert, forming a cordon 
which totally separated the Austrians from 
all relief except by a complete victory, as 
they v/ere surrounded without any possibility 
or means of retreating. In this situation Bo- 
naparte wrote to the empress, requesting her 
to be tranquil, and assuring her that she 
might anticipate a short but brilliant cam- 
paign. The French emperor perceiving all 
the difficulties which attended the situadon of 
the Austrian army, forced the bridge of El- 
chingen, and thereby secured his position. 
Soult endeavoured to hinder prince Ferdi- 
nand from reaching Bohemia, but he was 
too late to effect that object : Murat had 
combated him at Langenau and made 3,000 



S18 THE HISTORY OF 

prisoners, and continuing his progress ad- 
vanced to Neresheim, where he conquer- 
ed another thousand. 

Bonaparte was noticing a crowd of those 
who had been captured, when an Austrian 
colonel expressed his surprise to see him wet, 
fatigued and dirty : one of the aides-de-camp 
explained to him what the officer said, upon 
which Bonaparte replied : " Your master 
" wishes to make me recollect that I was a 
" soldier : I hope he will allow that the 
" throne and the imperial purple have not in- 
*' duced me to forget my first profession." Ulm 
was four times stormed ; and on the four- 
teenth and fifteenth, the siege by sap had 
been carried on with so much vigour and ef- 
fect, that the whole of the curtain on two 
faces of the works, and the principal re- 
doubts must have been destroyed : Bonaparte 
therefore having gained possession of the 
heights Avhich command Ulm, sent for the 
Prince de Lichtenstein, who was among the 
generals inclosed in that city, and informed 
him of his wish, that the army should capi- 
tulate, and as the position of the Austrians 
was not defensible, that they ought to sur- 
render : to which after some discussion gene- 
ral Mack consented, and the whole Austrian 
army became prisoners of war. 

During the evening before the surrender 
of Ulm, Bonaparte issued the following 
address to the army : 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 3l» 

" Soldiers I 

" A month ago we were encamped on the shores of the Ocean 
opposite to England ; but an impious league compelled us to fiy 
towards the Rhine. 

" It is but a fortnight since we passed that river, tho 
Alps of Wirtemberg, the Necker, the Danube, and the Lech ; 
those celebrated barriers of Gerrnany have not retarded our 
march a day, an hour, or an instant. Indignation against a 
Prince whom we have twice re-seated on his throne, when it 
depended entirely on our pleasure to hurl him from it, sup- 
plied us with wings. The enemy's army deceived by our 
manoeuvres and the rapidity of our movements, is completely- 
turned. It now fights for its safety only. It would gladly 
embrace an opportunity of escaping and returning home ; but 
it is now too late. The fortifications which it erected at a 
great expence, along the Iller, expecting that we should ad- 
vance through the passes of the Black Forest, are become 
useless, since we have approiaehed by the plains of Bavaria. 

" Soldiers, but for the army which is now in front of you, 
we should this day have been in London ; we should have a- 
venged ourselves for six centuries of insults, and restored the 
freedom of the seas. 

" But bear in mind to-morrow, that you are fighting against 
the allies of England ; that you have to avenge yourselves on 
a perjured Prince, whose own letter bi^eathed nothing but 
peace, at the moment when he was marching his army against 
our ally ; who thought us cowardly enough to suppose, that 
we should tamely witness his passage of the Inn, his entry in- 
to Munich, and his aggressions against the elector of Bavaria. 
He thought we w^ere occupied elsewhere ; let him, for the 
third and last time learn, that we know how to be present in 
every place where the country has enemies to combat. 

" Soldiers, to-morrow will be an hundred times more cele- 
brated than the day of Marengo, I have placed the enemy in 
the same position. 



IN! 



H 



320 THE HISTORY OF 

*' Recollect that the most remote posterity will remark the 
conduct of each of you on this memorable day. Your proge- 
nj', five hundred years hence, who may place themselves un- 
der those eagles around which we rally, will know in detail 
every thing which your respective corps shall atchieve to-mor- 
row, and the manner in which your courage shall confer on 
them eternal celebrity. This will constitute the perpetual 
subject of their conversation ; and from age to age, you will 
be held up to the admiration of future generations. 

" Soldiers, if I wished to conquer the enemy only, I should 
not have thought it necessary to make an appeal to your 
courage and your attachment to the country and to my per- 
son ; but merely to conquer him is doing nothing worthy of 
you or your emperor. It is necessary that not a man of the 
enemy's army should escape ; that that government which has 
violated all its engagements, should first learn its catastrophe 
by your arrival under the walls of Vienna ; and that, on re- 
ceiving this fatal inteUigence, its conscience, if it listen to the 
voice of conscience, should tell it, that it has betrayed both its 
solemn promises of peace, and the first of the duties be- 
queathed by its ancestors, the power of forming the rampart 
of Europe against the irruptions of the Cossacks. 

" Soldiers, who have been engaged in the affairs of Wer- 
tingen and Guntzburg, I am satisfied with your conduct. 
Every corps in the army will emulate you, and I shall be able 
to say to my people...." Your emperor and your army have 
done their duty, perform your's," and the 200,000 conscripts 
whom I have summoned, will hasten by forced marches, to 
reinforce our second line." 

« NAPOLEON." 

On the seventeenth of October the capitu- 
lation was signed, and on the twentieth the 
Austrians evacuated Uhii : in the town were 
27,000 men, 3,000 horses, 18 generals and 



Ir 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 331 

70 pieces of cannon. On the eighteenth 
M. LocateUi surrendered his dragoons to 
general Fauconnet, and on the following day 
general Werneck with his division submitted 
to Murat. The whole number of Austrians 
who became prisoners of war in this short 
space of time amounted to 60,000 men, with 
all their cannon, ammunition, See. Bonaparte 
addressed the Austrian generals for whom 
he sent, as their army was filing by him, in 
the following terms : " Gentlemen, your 
master carries on an unjust war....I tell you 
plainly, I know not what can be required of 
me. It is not in this army alone that my re- 
sources consist, though were this the case, 
still my army and myself would make consi- 
derable progress. But I shall appeal to the 
testimony of your own prisoners of war who 
will speedily pass through France; they will 
observe with their own eyes the spirit which 
animates my people, and with what eagerness 
they flock to my standard. This is the ad- 
vantage of my nation and my position. At a 
single word, 200,000 volunteers crowd to the 
colours, and in six weeks become good sol- 
diers ; whereas your recruits march from 
compulsion, and do not become soldiers but 
after several years service." 

" I would give my brother the emperor of 
Germany one further piece of advice ; let 
him hasten to make peace ; this is the mo- 
ment to recollect that all empires have an 
S s 



m THE HISTORY OF 

^ ,—— ^M^M I •• ■ ■^■«M^^M— I I — I ■ — ^ II I - I ■ M » m m . ■■■,■■. 1 1 ■— I — — M— i I I M .ij 

end ; the idea that the end of the dynasty of the 
house of Lorraine may have arrived, should 
impress him with terror. ^^ 

" I desire nothing upon the continent. I 
want ships, colonies, and commerce ; and it 
is as much your interest as mine that I should 
have them." 

M. Mack replied, *^ That the emperor of 
Germany had not wished for war, but was 
compelled to it by Russia." " If that be the 
case,'^ said the emperor, " then you are no more 
a power. '^ 

The Austrian prisoners, when defiling before 
Napoleon I. testified an extreme eagerness 
to see him, and the utmost satisfaction at 
contemplating him: they said that one day, 
at the army of Italy, vipon a similar occasi- 
on, whilst the prisoners were marching be- 
fore him, when he saw some with wounded 
men, Bonaparte took off his hat, saying, 
" Honour to courage in misfortune ;" he held 
it in his hand, and made all the generals 
and officers around him do the same, during 
the whole passage of this sad procession. 
The French soldiers never exceeded in regu- 
larity of behaviour, and magnanimity, their 
conduct during this march through Germany. 

On the eighteenth of October, the empe- 
ror sent to the senators a note with a large 
quantity of colours, &c. the trophies of the 
success which had attended the French ar- 
my. The note was read to that body by Jo- 
seph Bonaparte grand elector :.... 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 334 



" Senators — I send you forty stands of colours, which my ar- 
my has conquered in the different actions which took place 
since that at Wertingen. It is a homage which I and my ar- 
my pay to the sages of the empire. It is an offering made 
by children to their father. Senators, accept it as a proof of 
my satisfaction for the manner in which you have always as- 
sisted me in the most important concerns of the empire. 
And you Frenchmen, cause your brothers to march, let thetft 
hasten to combat by our sides in order that, without shedding 
blood, without extraordinary exertions, we may repel far from 
us all the armies created by the gold of England, and over-, 
vrhelm with confusion the allies of the oppressor of the seas. 
Senators, a month is not yet elapsed since I told you that 
your emperor and his army would do their duty. ...I am impa- 
tient to say my people have done theirs. Since I began the 
campaign, I have dispersed an army of one hundred thou* 
sand men ; I have almost taken the half of them prisoners j 
the rest are killed, wounded or deserted, and reduced to the 
greatest consternation. These brilliant successes I owe to the 
affections of my soldiers, and to their patience in supporting 
fatigue. I have lost 1 500 men only in killed and wounded J 
Senators, the first object of the war is already fulfilled. The 
elector of Bavaria is re-established on his throne. The un- 
just aggressors have been struck, as if by lightning, and with 
the help of God, I hope in a short space of time, to be able to 
triumph over my other enemies. 

"From my imperial camp at Elchingen, 26 Vendemaire 

October eighteen. 

"NAPOLEON." 

The Austrian army having been thus an- 
nihilated without much labour or fatigue for 
the Trench troops, the emperor animated 
his soldiers by this address :.«. 



S2i THE HISTORY OF 

Imfierial head-quarters at Elchingen, 29 Vendemiaire, October 
twenty Jirstj 
« Soldiers of the grand army... .In a fortnight we have finish- 
ed a campaign. We have accomplished our purpose. We 
have expelled the troops of the house of Austria from Bavaria, 
and re-established our ally in the sovereignty of his states. 
That army, which with equal ostentation and imprudence, 
had posted itself on our frontiers is annihilated. But what 
does that signify to England ? Her purpose is accomplished. 
We are no longer at Boulogne, and the amount of her subsi- 
dy will thereby be neither increased nor diminished. 

« Of 100,000 men who composed that army, 60,000 are 
prisoners ; they will go to take the place of our conscripts in 
the labour of our fields. Two hundred pieces of cannon, 
their whole park, 90 stands of colours, and all their gene- 
rals, are in our hands.... there have not escaped of this army 
15,000 men. Soldiers I announced to you a great battle 
....but thanks to thebad combinations of the enemy, I have been 
able to obtain the same success, without running any risks and 
whatisunexampledin the history ofnations, soimportanta result 
has not diminished our force more than fifteen hundred men. 
*'Sokiiers, you owe this success to your unbounded confidence 
in your emperor. ...to your patience in bearing fatigues and 
privations of every description, and to your singular intrepi- 
dity. 

"But we will not stop here. You are impatient to com- 
mence a second campaign. We are about to make that Rus- 
sian army, which the gold of England has transported from 
the extremities of the universe, undergo the same fate. 

" In this contest is more particularly implicated the honour 
of the infantry. It is this which will a second time, decide 
the question, already resolved in Switzerland and Holland.... 
whether the French infantry be the second or the first in Eu- 
rope ? Here there are no generals in combating whom I caqi 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. S25 



have any glory to acquire. All my care shall be to obtain the 
victory with the least possible effusion of blood — my soldiers 
are my children. 

»' Given at my imperial camp of Elchingen, 29th Vende- 
miaire, Uth year, October twenty -first, 1805." 

General Werneck having surrendered his 
division, prince Ferdinand with 1000 horse, 
and some artillery, fled into the Prussian ter- 
ritory, and marched by Gunzenhausen for 
Nuremberg. Murat followed and overtook 
him, which occasioned a battle in the night 
of the twenty-first of October ; by this skir- 
mish the French possessed themselves of 
200,000 florins, the remainder of the cannon 
and all the baggage, but did not capture the 
prince. 

Bonaparte immediately seized the advan- 
tages of the immense preponderance which 
his success had procured him, and did not 
delay the consummation of his design, which 
was to humble the Austrian family. He left 
Ulm, and on the 2d of Brumaire, October 
twenty-third, arrived at Munich. ...on the fol- 
lowing day the French army crossed the Isar, 
and hastened with all possible expedition to 
the Inn, where Bernadotte, Marmont and 
Davoust, with their divisions, posted them- 
selves on the 5th, twenty- sixth. The ad- 
vanced part of the Russian army were stati- 
oned behind the Inn, and appeared to be dis- 
posed to dispute the passage of that river 
but the French divisions being joined by Mu- 
rat's cavalry, and having succeeded in erect- 



S26 THE HISTORY OF 

ing the bridges, the alHed troops began to 
reth'e, and immediately retreated from Brau- 
nau, a strongly fortified town, which was de- 
livered to Lasnes without opposition.. ..a very 
large quantity of provisions, ammunition and 
other military stores were the reward of that 
celerity which marks all the movements of 
Bonaparte ; and Braunau, from the excel- 
lence of its situation, and its other advanta- 
ges, became the depot of the head-quarters 
of the army. On the 9th, thirtieth, Murat 
pursued the flying Austrians, and at Lam- 
bach on the road to Merobach, encountered a 
body of 6,000 men; but night soon hindered 
the combatants from perceiving each other, 
and in the morning the whole body of the 
Austrians was dispersed, except 500 prison- 
ers. The weather at this time was very un- 
favourable ; the cold was great, the snow a 
foot deep, and the roads almost impassable ; 
notwithstanding all these disadvantages, Bo- 
naparte made forced marches, and encourag- 
ed the army to submit to every difficulty with- 
out a murmirr.... desirous to counteract the 
intention of the Austrian and Russian em- 
perors, who anticipated a complete discomfi- 
ture of the French army could they have 
joined their forces so as to act with ener- 
gy, he admitted nothing to impede his 
progress, and sacrificing his own perso- 
nal comfort and ease, he was intent up- 
on one object only, and to that he made 
every thing submit. The French army^ 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 327 

now began to draw near to the Russians, 
who under the command of Kutusow were 
cantoned from Instatt upon the Danube, 
along the right bank of the Inn to the mouth 
of the Salza, where general Meerfelt was 
posted with the wreck of the Austrian army* 
Murat who commanded a detached body 
which was destined to act as the vicissitudes 
of the campaign might require, and which 
by the rapidity of its movements, was deno- 
minated the flying army^ allowed the confe- 
derates no leisure : continuing his pursuit he 
passed through Lambach, and on the lOth^ 
November first, took possession of Wels.... 
he was immediately followed by Lasnes, Da- 
voust and Soult, who posted themselves at 
Wels, Lintz and Lambach. At Lintz, the 
Austrian army chest, containing several hun- 
dred thousand florins was part of the spoil ; 
and at Lambach, very valuable magazines 
of salt belonged to the victorious array. 
Whilst these divisions had been employed in 
marching to Vienna with little or no oppositi- 
on ; Bernadotte detached Keilerman with 
the advanced guard to cut off the retreat of a 
body of the Austrians who were retiring 
towards Carinthia. At the fort of Passling, 
which covered the Austrian troops, in the 
defile of Coiling, the combatants met, and af- 
ter a severe but short confiict, the Austrian 
column was discomfited, 5,000 of them were 
prisoners and the rest dispersed.. ..the capture 
of a very Urge quantity of arras increased 



S2S THE HISTORY OF 

the value of the victory. On the 12th, se- 
cond, the French army advanced to Steyer, 
and the cavahy under Murat proceeded to 
Ebersberg, in which city a small body of 
troops had been posted to prevent the passage 
of the Traun : but the artillery on the bank 
covering the ferry.... the French in boats 
crossed the river, and carried it at once with 
their usual impetuosity. Passing on to Vi- 
enna the com-batants met at Asten,' and after 
a slight skirmish the Austrians fled in great 
disorder. On the 13th, third, the victo- 
rious army passed the Ens, and the indefa- 
tigable Murat attacked the Russians on the 
heights of Amstetten which produced an ob- 
stinate contest : but the latter were driven 
from all their posts, with the loss of 400 
men dead in the field, and 1,500 prisoners. 
Davoust also continued his march, and esta- 
blished himself at Wahidoffen. Whilst 
these events occurred in one part of the ar- 
my, the Bavarians had encountered the x\us- 
trians at Lovers. ...the latter occupied a defile 
of peculiar difiiculty and almost inaccessible, 
it being flanked on two sides by perpendicular 
mountains ; but the Bavarians after a vigorous 
resistance completed the rout, and captured a 
small number of the Russians, upon which 
the rest fied, and left the Bavarians masters 
of the field. 

Immediately after the battle of Amstetten, 
the Russians accelerated their retreat and de- 
stroyed all the bridges upon the Ips, but this 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. S29, 

^-» . ' ■ ' — — * 

precaution was ineffectual ; Murat on the 16th, 
seventh, established himself in the Abbey of 
Molk, and on the 17th, eighth, Marmont 
marched towards Leoben ; upon his arrival at 
Wezer, he was opposed by an Austrian regi- 
ment, who after the first charge surrendered 
themselves prisoners of war to the conque- 
rors. Davoust in the mean time was march- 
ing by the high road leading directly to Vien- 
na ; on the 17th, eighth, the advanced guard 
being at the distance of a few leagues from 
Marienzell, encountered the Austrian army 
under general Meerfelt, who was hastening 
to Neudstadt to cover the capital ; a vigorous 
conflict ensued, which like every other en- 
gagement during the campaign, ended in the 
total rout of the Austrians....the French pur- 
sued them twelve miles, and at its conclusion 
discovered that they were masters of three 
.stands of colours, 16 pieces of cannon and 
4,000 prisoners. 

The emperor of Germany, the empress, 
the court, and the grandees, began now to 
prepare for their departure from Vienna, and 
early in November retired to Brunn ; on the 
eighteenth, the emperor of Russia was in* 
troduced to the German court at Olmutz, 
whither they had proceeded, as soon as the 
Trench army entered the capital. Whilst at 
Brunn, after his flight from the seat of go- 
vernment the emperor of Germany publish? 
ed this proclamation :.... 
T T 



330 THE HISTORY OF 



PROCLAMATION. 

«' His majesty the emperor and king had never a higher 
wish than the maintenance of peace, Thia wish lay in the 
principle of his government as well as in his heart. With- 
out any, even the most distant project of enlarging his states? 
or of procuring an indemnification for the sacrifices which he had 
made at Luneville and Ratisbon to the tranquillity of Europe,, 
he desired nothing but that the emperor of France^ actuated 
by a similar spirit of enlightened and humane policy, should 
return within the limits prescribed by the Treaty of Luneville. 
Whoever with a clear understanding took an interest in the 
fele of Europe, felt the justice and moderation of this desire,. 

" True to his principles, his majesty, in the progress of the 
present war, was ready every moment to hold out his hand 
to peace, and amid the most brilliant victories, he would have 
thought and acted in the same way as under the influence of 
contrary occurrences. 

" His majesty believed that the great and happy montient of 
fliis reconciliation, and of returning happiness to his peoplej^ 
was not far distant, as the emperor of Fi'ance had on several 
occasions publickly manifested corresponding dispositions, and 
expressed himself with precision in the same spirit to Austri- 
an general officers, whom the fortune of war had made pri- 
soners. 

« Full of confidence in such manifestations, and animated 
by an earnest wish to avert the approaching danger from the 
capital of Vienna, so dear to his heart, and in general, to free 
his good and faithful subjects from the pressure of a longer 
war, his majesty sent his lieutenant field marshal the count de 
Guilay, to the head quarters of the French Emperor, in the 
name of himself and his allies, to obtain a confirmation of these 
pacifick dispositions, to learn the further overtures which the 
emperor Napoleon might make on this occasion, and to treat 
for an armistice as preparatory to negociations for a general 
peace* 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. m 

" But the hopes of his majesty were not fulfilled. As the 
basis of an armistice limited to a few weeks> the emperor of 
France demanded : 

^' That the allied troops should return home ; that the Hun- 
garian levies should be disbanded; and that the duchy of Ve- 
nice and Tyrol, should be previously evacuated to the French 
armies. 

" All Europe will feel the inconsistency' between such de- 
mands, and the foregoing manifestations of the emperor. His 
majesty the emperor and king had, by this first step, ful- 
filled a sacred duty which his heart had dictated^ 

" But he would have thought himself grievously injuring 
his own person, the honour of his monarchy, the dignity of his 
house, the reputation of the good and great nation over whichhe 
rules, and the highest interests of the states, in the eyes both, 
of the present and of future generations, if notwithstanding 
the duty incumbent on him to preserve all these entire, he had 
yielded to the severe, but passing pressure of the moment^ 
and assented to conditions which would have been a death- 
blow to his monarchy, and a breach of the relations m which 
he stood with all friendly states. 

" His majesty wished for peace :....he wishes for it still, with 
sincerity and earnestness. But he never could, and never will 
place himself in a defenceless state, where he and his people 
will be delivered over to the imperious and arbitrary decisi- 
ons of a mighty foe. 

" In such circumstances nothing remains to his majesty, 
but to cleave to those great and unexhausted resources which 
he finds in the hearts, in the prosperity, in the loyalty, in the 
strength of his people : and in the as yet undiminished forc^ 
of his high allies and friends, the emperor of Russia, and king 
of Prussia; and to persist in this firm and intimate connection 
till the emperor of the French, with that moderation which is 
the brightest gem in the crown of a great monarch, consents to 



332 THE HISTORY OF 

conditions of peace which are not purchased by a sacrifice of 
the national honour and independence of a mighty state." 

The Russian army effected its retreat to 
Krems, by recrossing the Danube, anticipa- 
ing the impossibiUty of a return, if Mortier, 
who was marching with great velocity on the 
left bank of the Danube should advance be- 
yond him to any considerable distance. The 
Austrian army after the capture of Ulm, 
appears in all its conduct to have been so 
terrified as to have lost all prudence and 
skill. The country between the Inn and the 
Danube is intersected with several rivers, 
over which wooden bridges only have been 
constructed ; and nearly the whole distance is 
one immense pine forest, forming the best 
possible security to an army acting on the de- 
fensive, and affording opportunities of stati- 
oning troops in strong positions, from which 
they could not be forced. Nevertheless, with 
all these advantages, the Austrians and Rus- 
sians seemed to be solicitous respecting their 
personal safety only, and retreated with so 
much disorder as to leave money, arms, am- 
munition, and military stores of every kind 
to be seized by the French without the trou- 
ble of a contest. Soult continued to advance 
and to surmont every thing which was op- 
pressed to him ; the haste which he made 
forced the Austrians under general Meer- 
felt, to divide themselves into small parties 
that a battle might be avoided, and thus the 
whole corps by degrees were prisoners to 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. S33 

that division of the French army.... the vari- 
ous skirmishes between the two armies after 
they crossed the Inn, added 10,000 prison- 
ers to those who had been before captured- 
On the 18th, ninth, the Russian army cross- 
ed the Donaw to secure their retreat, as die 
French had constructed a new bridge at 
Linz, and stationed a body of troops on the 
right bank of the Donaw ; in the evening of 
the 19th, tenth, they forced all the advanced 
posts, and were pursuing the Russians when, 
night obstructed their progress. 

On the 20th, eleventh, Mortier marched 
to Stein, expecting to find the Russian rear- 
guard only ; but the Russian army maintain- 
ed its post there, and perceiving the whole 
extent of the French troops, commenced the 
battle of Diernstein. Although the differ- 
ence in numbers was very great, the combat 
continued from six in the morning until four 
in the evening, and the Russian superiority 
was lost in the vigour with which the French 
repelled their various attacks. The Russi- 
ans at length carried Leoben, and conscious 
of the small force of which the French con- 
sisted, not above half their own number, by 
a forced march endeavoured to turn the 
French by attacking them in the rear ; but 
Mortier had anticipated the design, and hav- 
ing posted two regiments to interrupt 
the execution of this manoeuvre, the. 
Russians were obliged after a very sanguina- 
ry contest to , continue their retreat with im- 



534 THE HISTORY OF 

mense loss, 3,000 Russians were killed or 
wounded, and 1,300 made prisoners ; the 
French division suffered also very considera- 
bly, of three or four of the regiments who 
were engaged on that day not above one half 
survived the batde....but the effect was im- 
mediate, the Russians were under the neces- 
sity of retiring into Moravia without delay.... 
the French army marched into the capital of 
Germany on the 22d5 thirteenth; and on the 
following day Bonaparte with his staff entered 
Vienna. This was fulfilling the extraordina- 
ry declaration which the emperor of the 
French m.ade duripg the latter part of the pre- 
ceding August :...»at one of the levees when 
the Austrian minister was present, Bonaparte 
observed, " Your master wants war, does 
he ? Tell him from me, that if he obliges me 
to go to war, I will sleep in his bed before 
Christmas !" 

When the " six weeks" campaign, as it 
has been denominated, is duly contemplated, 
the activity and skill which were manifested 
by the French emperor are superior to all en- 
comium. ...the army if it had not been delay- 
ed an hour by any opposition, had sufficient- 
ly laboured in marching from Boulogne to 
Vienna, a distance of nearly 1,000 miles in 
the short space of ten weeks ; a dispatch in 
the execution of military movements unex- 
am!pledin the history of the world: and as it 
is without a parallel with respect to itself, so 
the effects which have been produced by it 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. S55 



are of more importance than any which the 
European continent has witnessed since the 
peace of Westphalia* 

Whilst the grand army had thus immorta- 
lized itself in military annals, the troops un- 
der Massena had emulated them in the ener- 
gy with which they opposed the Austrians, 
who commanded by the arch-duke Charles, 
contended for every step, and maintained, 
their positions as long as they were tenable. 
Previous to the surrender of Ulm, Bona- 
parte wrote to Massena, " The Austrians 
continually retire before the grand army; 
they will be beaten step by step as well as the 
Russians, if we shall encounter them. I am 
sorry that our movements and success dimi- 
nish the number of troops which you com- 
bat.. ..there remain less for you to conquer.'* 
The news of the emperor's having begun 
the campaign, and the success v/hicli attend- 
ed all his movements having been conveyed 
to Massena, he prepared to act upon the of- 
fensive, and made arrangements to pass the 
Etch, which induced the Austrians to retire 
from Luiniano on the 22d Vendemiaire, Oc- 
tober fourteenth ; nevertheless they disputed 
the passage of the river, but without success, 
as the French division established itself on 
the opposite bank and seaured 700 prisoners 
with four cannon. The French army was as- 
sembled at Zevio, and appeared to be pre- 
paring for an attackupon the Austrians through 
the whole line. ...this feint confused the 



336 THE HISTORY OF 

Arch-duke, upon which Massena on the 
26th of Vendemiaire, October eighteenth, 
commenced a battle at the bridge of the old 
castle at Verona : having destroyed the wall 
which defended the middle of the bridge by 
means of a train of powder, Gardanne's di- 
vision rushed across the bridge, and routed 
the Austrians who were stationed to impede 
their progress ; the contest continued from 
four o'clock in the morning until six in the 
evening, and was supported with great vi- 
gour; but the French obliged their oppo- 
nents to fly from all their positions, and des- 
troyed the intrenchments : several cannon, 
and 1,400 prisoners were their reward for 
this victory. Some days elapsed whilst the 
French crossed the Adige, and arranged the 
pursuit of the Austrians ; but all being ready, 
Massena ordered Seras to pass the Adige at 
Polo ; Verdier to manoeuvre between Ronco 
and Alabro, whilst Gardanne attacked the 
heights of the Val Pantere, which forced 
the Austrians to evacuate Veronetta : in ad- 
vancing to St. Michael the Austrians in a 
large body of infantry and cavalry, with se- 
veral cannon, defended the road, and it was 
not until after various charges of cavalry that 
they retreated ; these movements had been 
supported by Molitor who proceeded to St. 
Martin, and the whole army took position at 
Vago....The Austrians lost on this day 1,600 
prisoners. On the 8th of Brumaire, October 
thirtieth, the French army assailed the whole 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 337 

extent of the Austrian line ; Caldiero was 
carried amidst tiie shouts of " Long live the 
emperor !" at half past four in the evening 
the arch-duke directed his reserve to advance 
and the combat became exceedingly severe ; 
the cavalry charged incessantly, and the bay- 
onet decided the day : thirty pieces of well 
served artillery poured their thunders from 
the Austrian intrenchments, but notwith- 
standing the energy with which they resist- 
ed the French attack, the Austrians were ob- 
liged to retreat with the loss of 3,500 prison- 
ers, and a great number of killed and 
wounded ; these were so numerous that the 
two armies consented to a truce whilst the 
dead were interred : the French troops also 
being much diminished. The success of the 
attack at Caldiero joined with the movement 
made by Seras, separated a corps of 5,000 
Austrians, and left them no possibility of re- 
treating through the vallies or uniting with 
the main army. Whilst they were marching 
to the heights of St. Leonard, Massena sent 
an aide-de-camp to summon them to surrender, 
but the general answered that it was his in- 
tention to defend Mmself ; upon which the 
whole body were surrounded at the castle of 
San Felice, and forced to deliver their arms 
and baggage ; seventy three officers besides 
the commander were also captured. The 
arch-duke immediately hastened his retreat, 
and the French advanced to Montebello^, 
U u 



53S THE HISTORY OF 

On the 14th Brumaire, November fifth, the 
French pursued the Austrians to Vicenza, 
whose gates had been walled ; it was sum- 
moned, and the troops within refused to eva- 
cuate it ; but the passage by that city being 
indispensable, it was bombarded and the 
French entered it at break of day. They 
found a thousand wounded soldiers and a 
quantity of military stores at their disposal, 
which the precipitate departure of the Au- 
strians would not permit them to remove. 
The French army continued its march, and 
at St. Pierre in Gu, were opposed by a bo- 
dy of Austrians ; but the combat ended in 
their retreat, having lost 600 prisoners : this 
afforded the French a clear passage to Cas- 
tel Franco and Albaredo, whence they march- 
ed to the Tagliamento, where the arch-duke 
waited the approach of the French army. 
He posted a large body of troops to obstruct 
the passage of the river, and added 30 pieces 
of cannon. The French general immediately di- 
rected eighteen cannon to be brought to the 
bank of the river and a cannonade commenc- 
ed which was continued throughout the day 
....in the mean time he had dispatched 
a large force to pass the river in three differ- 
ent parts to turn the arch-duke's army, but 
the latter anticipated the design and in the 
night retreated to Palma Nuova : on the left 
bank of the river the French found a large 
number of Austrians who had fallen in the 
course of the day. The two armies continu- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 339 

cd to skirmish hourly ; the rear of the Au- 
strians and the advanced guard of the French 
were so near to each other that they were en- 
gaged during the whole of the retreat : they 
continued their course to Gradiska, the Izon* 
so and Gorizia....the magazines at Udine and 
Palma Nuova were left for the French. 
Whilst these successes attended the princi- 
pal body of the French army, the prince de 
Rohan descended from the mountains of the 
Tyrol to join the arch-duke at Leybach, 
from whom he had been separated by the ra- 
pidity of the French army's march. Masse- 
na had dispatched St. Gyr to reconnoitre and 
oppose the prince : on the 3d Frimaire, No- 
vember twenty -fourth, Regnier marched to 
Castel Franco, which rendered the situation 
of the Austrians very dangerous, the latter 
therefore commenced a furious attack upon 
the French division, but they received them 
with so much skill and courage as to render 
every charge unavailing : St. Cyr whilst the 
Austrians were engaged with Regnier in 
front, assailed their rear, and completely 
turned them ; this induced them to fly, and 
after perceiving no means of escape, those 
who had not already surrendered offered to 
capitulate, and the wnole corps delivered 
their arms to St. Cyr. The prince de Rohan, 
about thirty officers, 6,000 infantry and 1,000 
cavalry, six colours, one standard, twelve 
pieces of cannon, all their baggage and wag- 
gons belonged to the French. The army in- 



340 THE HISTORY OF 

stantaneously proceeded to Clagenfurth to 
hasten their junction with the troops under 
the immediate command of the emperor. 

The French troops merely passed through 
Vienna ; Souh, Davoust, Lasnes and their 
divisions continued their march into Moravia, 
and Milhaud after a slight skirmish with a 
corps who were retreating with an hundred 
pieces of cannon to join the Russian army, 
captured the whole, all the provision wag- 
gons and 600 prisoners ; and an immense 
quantity of clothes, shoes and boots were 
found at Stockerau by Lasnes. Vienna be- 
ing the only arsenal in the emperor of Ger- 
many's hereditary dominions, the possession 
of that city aiforded the French, cannon, am- 
munition, and every kind of military stores 
and equipage to the full extent of their de- 
mands. Bonaparte occupied the palace of 
Schoenbruh, the residence of the empress of 
Germany, every apartment of which is de- 
corated with the portrait of the celebrated 
Maria Theresa. Although in possession af 
the capital of the German dominions, Bona- 
parte was aware that his situation was inse- 
cure unless he conquered the Russian force 
which had retired into Moravia : the French 
troops were therefore in motion, and follow- 
ed the retreating army with the utmost rapi- 
dity. At Hollabrun, Murat encountered part 
of the Russian army, but a skirmish only 
ensued as the latter retreated before the con- 
test became serious. The Russian general 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 341 

now offered to retire from Germany, but Bo- 
naparte would not consent to the terms pro- 
posed unless the Russian emperor became a 
party to the treaty, which finished the confe- 
rence ; in the mean time the Austrian troops 
had separated from their allies, and Hunga- 
ry had subrriitted to the French division under 
Davoust. The correspondence between Da- 
voust and the commander of Presburg the 
chief city of Hungary, demands preserva- 
tion : 

LETTER 

From general Count De Paffi. 
General, 
HIS royal highness the arch-duke Palatine, in his quality of 
supreme, civil and military chief of Hungary, has charged the 
undersigned to declare, that his royal highness has establish' 
ed along the western frontier of this kingdom, a cordon of 
troops, supported by small detachments of cavalry, compos- 
ed of invalids and recruits, with the sole view of arresting 
the marauders of the Austrian army, who may be found there. 
It cannot therefore be supposed that he has any hostile views, 
these detachments having positive orders to retire on the 
approach of the French troops to the frontiers. 

As these small detachments, which should not be consider- 
ed otherwise than as scouting parties, are to fall back on the ap- 
proach of the French army, his royal highness has given orders 
to the hospitals, to the houses of education, to the pensionary- 
officers, and to the individuals employed in arranging the ac- 
counts of the x'egiments and military hospitals, to remain in 
their places, persuaded that the general or commander of the 
French troops will not refuse to grant them the necessary pro- 
tections, and that he will give orders that the detachments 
of the French army which shall enter Hungary, shall not 



342 THE HISTORY OF 

commit any exc:;sscs, provided Ho kind of opposition be made 
to them. ...and that in consequence of this declaration, the un- 
dersigned will have many important points to discuss with the 
general or commander of the French troops. 

He requests him to grant a meeting on parole in a boat la 
the middle of the Danube. 

He waits his answer and has the honour to be his very hum- 
ble servant, 

LeopOLDy count Pciffi, commandant at Presburg, 

ANSWER 
Of Marshal DAVousf to general Count De Pjffi. 

General, 
I have laid before his majesty the letter which you address- 
ed to the commandant of my light cavalry. His majesty has 
charged me to make known through you, to his I'oyal high- 
ness the Arch-duke Palatine, that he is ready to respect the 
neutrahty of the Hungarians, and to forbid his army to enter 
the frontiers of Hungary, if on his part his royal highness 
the Arch-duke Palatine and the Hungarian people are willing 
to withdraw their troops, to make no insurrection, to continue 
to supply Vienna with provisions, and in fine to conclude be- 
tween thetn, the Arch-duke Palatine and his majesty the em- 
peror of the French, a; convention tending to maintain harmony 
between the two countries. I am authorised to permit any 
officer to pass, whom his royal highness the Arch-duke Pala- 
tine may wish to send to my sovereign, to treat upon this basis. 
I shall feel myself happy in thus having an opportunity of do- 
ing a favour to your countrymen, and promoting the ^f'elfariS 
of a people possessed of so many estimable qualities. 

I have the honour to be, M. General, 

Your very humble servant, 

DAVOUST. 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 543 

A corps of Austrians had intrenched 
themselves at Waldemunchen ; Baraguay 
d'Hilliers marched against them, upon which 
they immediately abandoned their post: hav- 
ing advanced as far as Pilsen in Bohemia and 
fulfilled the object of his mission, he rejoined 
the army. Whilst the grand array was has- 
tening into Moravia, Ney was dispatched to 
the Tyrol: the forts of Scharnitz and New- 
sturk quickly capitulated to him, 1,800 men 
and eighteen field pieces belonged to the vic^ 
tors : continuing his march he entered In- 
spruck, v/here he found an arsenal filled with 
artillery, 16,000 muskets and an immense 
quantity of powder : in Haile, of which ho 
took possession on the same day, large ma- 
gazines destined for the arch-duke John's ar- 
my were also secured, but be escaped leaving 
200 Austrians sick in the hospital at Inspruck, 
whom he recommended to the generosity of 
the French general. During the last war the 
76th regiment lost two standards in the Gri- 
,sons, which were found in the depot at In- 
spruck ; they were instantaneously recognis- 
ed and surrounded by the soldiers : Ney restor- 
ed them to that corps with the usual ceremo- 
nies ; he next occupied Brizen, Clausen and 
Botzen. At this juncture general Klein was 
ordered to make an incursion into Bohemia, 
where he was not opposed in his progress ; 
and on the 23d Brumaire, November four- 
teenth, the Austrian army of the Voralberg, 
commanded by field-marshal Jellachich, whose 



S44 THE HISTORY OF 

retreat had been intercepted, submitted to 
Augereau, with all their horses, artillery, 
baggage, ammunition and military stores. 

As the two emperors did not sanction the 
treaty which had been signed by Murat and 
Kutusow, the Russian army left its position 
and began to march by Znaim that it might 
escape without a battle. ...Murat perceiving 
this movement, arranged his troops for an 
attack upon the Russian rear guard, who 
made a vigorous but short resistance at Zunt- 
ersdroff, but speedily fied with great precipi- 
tation, leaving 1,500 prisoners, 100 baggage 
waggons and tv/elve pieces of cannon in the 
possession of the French. But the sudden- 
ness of their flight was occasioned by a ma- 
noeuvre of Lasnes, who charged them in 
front whilst they were engaged with Murat, 
and having turned them on the left, Soult 
assailed them on the right, which induced 
the corps to hasten their retreat to avoid be- 
ing entirely surrounded. The head-quarters 
of the French were removed to Znaim on the 
26th Brumaire, November seventeenth, in 
which town was found an extensive magazine 
of flour and oats. Sebastiani with a brigade 
of dragoons harrassed the retreat of the Rus- 
sians, and on the 27th, eighteenth, conquer- 
ed several detached corps, amounting in the 
whole to 1,500 prisoners: Murat entered 
Brunn on the same day, and the Austrian 
court retired to Cracow in Poland : in Brumi 
the French procured sixty pieces of cannon, 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 84?r 



6,000 muskets, 300,000lbs. of powder, 
wheat, flour and clothing in vast quantities. 
Whilst pursuing the Russian army in its 
retreat, and advancing towards Olmutz, the 
French made a great number of prisoners ; 
and at some distance from Brunn, where the 
roads meet, 6,000 Russians were posted to 
obstruct the French troops in their progress 
to that city : general Walther was di- 
rected to attack them without delay, which 
service he performed with great intrepidity ; 
the Russians perceiving their position to be 
msecure, retreated and stationed themselves 
near Olmutz. The victorious army after this 
skirmish was permitted to retire into quarters, 
the weather being exceedingly rigorous : the 
van was supported by Brunn, to which town 
the head-quarters had been removed. Whilst 
the grand army were enjoying a little repose, 
Massena was hurrying to join them, and the 
arch-duke having heard of the total destruction 
of the Austrian army at Ulm, had determin- 
ed to continue his march, to concentrate his 
force under the walls of Vienna, and to de- 
fend that city with the whole of the Austrian 
and Russian troops ; he had therefore in con- 
formity with this plan, collected the scattered 
divisions of his army, and forced his march- 
es, until he discovered that his movement 
was futile, and that ihe French were already 
in possession of nearly all the Austrian do- 
minions, and that the army under Bonaparte 

X .X 



346 THE HISTORY OF 

was cantoned in Moravia. This obliged him 
to make new arrangements and to retire to 
the frontiers of Hungary, where he continu- 
ed until he was informed of the armistice 
which had been concluded between Berthier 
and the prince de Lichtenstein. 

On the 6th Frimaire, November twenty- 
seventh, M. de Stadion and M. count de 
Guilay were presented to the French empe- 
ror, as plenipotentiaries to conclude and sign 
a definitive treaty of peace between France 
and Austria : Bonaparte immediately offered 
an armistice until the former should be ar- 
ranged ; but the emperor of Germany confi- 
dently relying upon the support and success 
of the Russian army, intended it as a feint 
only, for if he had been serious in his em- 
bassy he would not have permitted the Rus- 
sian troops to have commenced military ope- 
rations. As soon as it was understood that 
the French army had discontinued its pursuit 
of the Russians, and had been quartered in 
and near Brunn, Kutusow directed the Rus- 
sian cavalry and the Cossacks to attack the 
French advanced posts.. ..on the 7th, twenty- 
eighth, a large body of them surrounded 
Wischau, of which they took possession and 
the party of French who defended it, surren- 
dered themselves prisoners. The emperor of 
P.ussia advanced to that town on the same 
day, behind which his whole army encamp- 
ed. Bonaparte having heard of the arrival 
of the Russian monarch,, dispatched Savary 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. S47 

■i ' ' 

to compliment him ; that general continued 
three days at Wischau, which time was em- 
ployed in investigating the characters of those 
who attended Alexander. His observations 
and the report which he made to Bonaparte 
upon his return, determined him if the allied 
emperors persisted, to try the fate of a gene- 
ral engagement. With this view he ordered 
his troops to retreat nine miles in the night, 
as if he had experienced a total defeat, or as* 
if he were terrified at the vicinity of the Rus- 
sians, and having chosen the best position 
which the country afforded, the whole army 
was engaged in fortifying it and erecting bat- 
teries. Bonaparte immediately proposed an 
interview with the emperor Alexander, who 
sent his refusal by prince Dolgorouki ; every 
thing which this officer saw whilst with the 
French army, the numbers of the guards, 
the fortifications which were constructing with, 
so much haste, and the appearance of the sol- 
diers indicating timidity, all tended to mis- 
lead him ; and he returned to the Russian em- 
peror convinced that the French were aware 
of their ruinous situation, and that they were al- 
ready conquered; and in the Russian council of 
war it was not inquired by what means the 
French were to be overcome, but the most 
certain mode of turning and capturing their 
whole force. The Austrian generals who were 
present assured them that it was not so easy 
an operation to vanquish the French army ; 
that thp officers and tropps of which it was 



348 THE HISTORY OF 

composed were of the first merit, men whose 
courage was indisputable, and who had been 
engaged in actual service diiring the whole 
revolution ; and that their commander pos- 
sessed resources and expedients which were 
almost an insuperable obstacle to success, 
even had he been involved in difficulty.. ..but 
in the present situation of the armies all the 
advantages belonged to the French. Not- 
withstanding this representation the Russian 
generals confiding in the enthusiasm which 
Alexander's presence would excite in the 
Russian army, resolved to endeavour to sur- 
round the French and secure them prisoners, 
Bonaparte was reconnoitring the allied arr 
jny when Savary returned from his visit to 
Alexander, and combining every information 
wiiich he could collect with the Russian em- 
peror's non-compliance with his request, he 
determined to delay every movement until 
the Russian general should commit some er- 
tor, and instantaneously to profit by it. 

The two armies remained in this situation 
until the 10th Frimaire, December first, 
when Bonaparte perceived from his bivouac 
the Russian army marching to turrt the 
French right wing ; upon which he remark- 
ed, " Before to-morrow evening that army 
will be in my power." The Russian army 
defiled whilst marching, within pistol shot of 
some of the French advanced posts, and ex- 
tended twelve miles before the French troops, 
whg were ordered not to move j and the 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 349 

Russians were so exhilarated that they were 
(Concerned only lest any of their opponents 
should escape. To encourage this delusion, 
Murat commanded a small body of cavalry 
to advance into the plain ; who suddenly re- 
turned, as if astonished at the immense force 
of the Russians. Bonaparte immediately di- 
rected this address to be dispersed throughout 
the camp : 

" Soldiers, 

*' You see before you tha Russian army come to avenge the 
Austrian army of Ulm. They are the same battalions whom 
you have beaten at Hollabrun, and whom you have constantly 
pursued to this place. 

" The positions which we occupy are formidable, and whilst 
they march to turn my right, they will present me their flank. 

" Soldiers, I shall direct in person all your battalions ; I 
shall keep far from the fire, if with your accustomed bravery 
you carry disorder and confusion into the enemy's ranks ; but 
if victory be for a moment uncertain, you will see yoqr empe- 
ror expose himself to the first charge, for victory cannot hesif 
tate on this day especially, v/hen the honour of the French in- 
fantry which imports so much to the character of the whole 
nation is at stake, 

"Let not your ranks be thinned under pretext of carrying off 
the wounded, and let each man be well penetrated with the 
thought, that we must vanquish these pensionaries of Eng- 
land, who are animated with so great a hatred against our na-s, 
tion. 

« This victory will finish our can^paign, and we may take 
«p our winter quarters, where we shall be joined by the new 
armies now forming in France, and then the peace I shall 
make will be worthy of my people, of you, and of me. 

«' NAPOLEON.'^ 



350 THE HISTORY OF 

Bonaparte having resolved to seize the fa- 
vourable opportunity of ruining the Russian 
array, which the indiscretion and infatuation 
of his opponents had given him, prepared 
for a general, decisive and final engagement, 
and fixed it for the morrow, the anniversary 
of his coronation : in the evening he disguis- 
ed himself that he might in person and in- 
cognito visit the night guard to prevent any 
surprize; he had proceeded a short distance 
only ere he was recognized; this condescen- 
sion and concern for the safety of his troops 
excited the utmost enthusiasm in the camp, 
and the whole army by torch light presented 
themselves before him as he passed, with un- 
bounded acclamations :....oneof the oldgrena- 
diers advanced and addressed him; " Sire, 
" you need not expose yourself. I promise 
" you in the name of the grenadiers of the 
*' army, that you shall only fight with your 
" eyes, and that we will bring you to-morrow 
" the standards and artillery of the Russian 
" army to celebrate the anniversary of your 
" coronation." The bivouac in which Bona- 
parte remained during this night, was a straw 
hovel without a roof, which the grenadiers 
had hastily constructed: having returned 
from his advanced posts, upon his entrance 
into the hut, he said, " This is the most bril- 
*' liant evening of my life ; but I regret that 
" I must lose a number of these brave men." 

The allied army on this occasion was 
superior in numbers and cannon to the French, 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 351 

'a'..;. '.. i' " ., , . . - I 

and elated with their anticipated success, 
they also determined upon the following day 
to place all their hopes on a combat, which 
should decide the fate of the house of Aus- 
tria, and finish the continental war. The 
number of soldiers may be computed at 
80,000 men in each army, besides the Aus- 
trians who had joined their allies ; but the 
park of Russian artillery was considerably 
greater than that of Bonaparte. Having ar- 
ranged his movements, he gave orders to 
make immediate preparations for battle. He 
dispatched Davoust to the convent of Rag- 
gern, with one of his divisions and a body 
of dragoons, that upon a given signal the 
whole left corps might be enveloped. Lasnes 
commanded on the left, Souit on the right, 
Bernadotte in the centre, and Murat who had 
assembled all the cavalry in one point, was 
directed to act as the exigencies of the con- 
flict might require. The former was strength- 
ened by the Santon, a fortified post defend- 
ed by eighteen pieces of cannon : and the 
cavalry were supported by twenty-four pieces 
of light artillery. Legrand guarded the 
ponds and villages of Sokolnitz and Calnitz, 
whilst Gudin was ordered to march very ear- 
ly in the morning from Nicholsburg, to inter- 
cept any part of the Russian army which 
might stretch beyond the French right wing. 
Bonaparte himself, with Berthier, Duroc, 
Junot, and the staff, was attended by the ten 
battalions of his guards, and ten battalions 



S52 THE HISTORY OP 

under the command of Oudinot.,..this body of 
reserve was drawn up in two lines in co- 
lumns, accompanied by forty pieces of can- 
non served by the artillerymen of the guards, 
and v/as intended to act where Bonaparte 
might conceive his own presence necessary to 
secure success. Every arrangement having 
been completed, the emperor mounted his 
horse at one o'clock in the morning of the 
1 1th, second, to re-inspect the posts, to re- 
connoitre the fires in the Russian camp, and 
to procure from the guards all the information 
which they had collected concerning general 
Kutusow's movements. Whilst Bonaparte 
was thus actively employed, the Russian 
troops were buried in profound sleep, the 
consequence of festivity and tumult excited 
by inebriety ; he was informed however, 
that a corps of Russian infantry had appear- 
ed before the village of Sokolnitz, which in- 
duced him to send a strong reinforcement to 
that post. In this state the armies passed 
the remainder of the night. 

At the dawn of day, Bonaparte was sur- 
rounded by all his generals, and continued 
to give his directions until the sun appeared 
above the horizon.. ..his last orders were then 
delivered, and the marshals assumed their 
stations. To animate the men in the execu- 
tion of the arduous duty before them, the 
emperor rode along the front of his army ; 
" Soldiers ! We must finish this campaign by 
a clap of thunder which shall confound the 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. SSi 

pride of our enemies." To the 28th of the 
line he said ; " I hope that the Normans will 
distinguish themselves to day." And to the 
57th, " recollect that it is many years since I 
surnamed you the Terrible :" these various 
addresses to the different regiments were an- 
swered by rapturous shouts of " Long live 
the emperor !" which became the signal to 
commence the direful, eventful day. At se- 
ven o'clock the Russians in four columns 
marched to the rear of Austerlitz ; and the 
battle began at the extremity of the French 
right wing,- v/here the Russian advanced 
guard had been opposed in its further pro- 
gress by Davoust : at eight the first column 
of the Russians descended into the valley, 
passed through Angest, and forced the 
Trench to retire to Zelnitz, where the latter 
maintained a longand vigorous combat which, 
ended in the overthrow of the Russian divi- 
sion: a short time only elapsed after this 
movement vtntil the battle became general 
throughout the whole line ; Soult filed off to- 
wards the heights of Pratzen, to deceive the- 
Russian right wing, whilst Murat and Lasnes 
charged the first column, and though the^ 
were received with every degree of coolness 
and intrepidity, the shock was too great to be 
withstood, and the disorder of that part of 
the Russian army was very evident. The 
cannonade was speedily ordered in both ar- 
mies, and 200 pieces of cannon vomited their 

Y r 



354 THE HISTORY OT? 

riii __: — — — — ■ — — — J 

murderous contents upon the combatants. 
Not more than an hour subsequent to the be- 
ginning of the battle the communication be- 
tween the centre and left of the Russian ar- 
»iy was entirely destroyed, and their right 
wing had forced its retreat to Austerlitz ; up- 
©n which the emperor of Russia dispatched 
his s^iards to restore the intercourse, who 
attacked a French battalion with so much fu-* 
ty as to rout them, at once; Bonaparte per- 
eeiving this movement directed the invincible^ 
to march, which produced one of the most 
interesting scenes in the battle : on the one 
side was Bonaparte watching the manoeuvres, 
©f this corps and waiting for its triumph, and 
©n the other the emperors of Germany and 
Russia desiring that success should attend 
their courage ; but the attempt to unite the 
several Russian columns was unpropitiousy 
the guards being obliged to leave the scene 
and to fly in great disorder : the three empe- 
rors were all viewing this part of the battle* 
When the commander of the artillery which 
supported the Russian imperial guard had 
been forced to surrender his pieces, he has- 
tened to the emperor, " Sire," said he, weep-^ 
ing, " let us fight with muskets ; I have lost 
my cannon." " Young man," answered 
Alexander, ** I highly value your tears ; my 
army may be vanquished, but we have a 
claim to glory." Two bodies of 4,000 Rus« 
sians each, now surrendered their arms, and 
thereby contributed very much towards the 



NAPOLEON BONAP ARTE. 355 

event of the day. The wings of the two ar- 
mies had hitherto been most severely engag- 
ed, and for a considerable time with various 
■success.... after these corps had surrendered, 
Bonaparte directed Bernadotte to advance 
against the Russian centre, which he assail- 
ed with so much impetuosity, that the troops 
began to retire, and general Kutusow foun4 
it absolutely necessary to sound a retreat, Xq 
preserve the wreck of his army. 

This is that scene in the battle which the 
plate represents ; upon the overthrow of the 
fourth battalion by the Russian imperial 
guard, Bonaparte A. appears in the fore 
ground, on the heights above Brunn, with 
twenty pieces of cannon, attended by Ber- 
thier, Junot, Duroc, Oudinot, Savary, &;c. 
and in the act of ordering marshal Bessieres 
M. to assist the right win^ with his invinci- 
bles, and particularly to oppose the Russian 
guards-. The French artillery which were 
stationed to cannonade the retreating Russi- 
ans are designated by B. and C. : immediately 
before Bonaparte is the French reserve, who 
had not been engaged in the action. The al- 
lied emperors v/ho were posted on the hills 
above Austerlitz the turret of which ap- 
pears in the back ground, to observe the pro- 
gress of the battle, are on the eminence D, 
with their aides-de-camp, whilst the Russiaa 
artillery are exhibited at E. the troops hav- 
ing deserted them to the victors. ...at the bot- 
tom of the hill from which the two empe- 



SS6 THE HTSTORT OF 

rors are scrutinizing the battle, are the French 
invincible s by a flank march rushing upon 
the Russian guards at F. who were endea- 
vouring to re-establish the communication be- 
tween the battalions of the Russian centre and 
left wing. This body G. G. was commanded 
by general Bu'xhowden, and extended to the 
town of Gording H. having the ponds L. 
and villages of Sokolnitz and Calnitz to im- 
pede their retreat, and to obstruct their uni- 
on with the main body of the army.,. .the si- 
tuation of the former village v/hich had been 
reinforced early in the morning, and was a 
strong position, having several powerful bat- 
teries, is distinguished by I. the vicinity of 
which is renownd for the most bloody part of 
the combat. At this juncture also the centre 
of the French force commanded by Berna- 
dotte, advances against the Russian centre 
and completes the rout : the French centre 
is discovered at K. in the front of the town 
of Austerlitz, whilst the Russians are dis- 
played by K. in the plain, with the French 
artillery B. and C. raised above them, and 
dispersing destruction amongst the discomfit- 
ed and retreating army. 

The cannonade had considerably ceased by 
one o'clock, and the retreat became general. At 
this moment Bonaparte advanced to the front 
of the reserve corps, " I have fought thirty 
" battles similar to this, but I never saw one 
" in which the victory was more decisive, and 
'' the event more certain." The foot guards 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 357 

of the emperor had not been engaged ; they 
were disappomted, and demanded to be per- 
mitted to shew their valour: " Rejoice," said 
Bonaparte, " that you have not been in the 
" action; you are the reserve: and it is so 
*' much the better that they do not want you 
*' to day." The French emperor directed 
twenty pieces of cannon to advance, and to 
keep up an incessant fire against the Prussian 
left, which bad been separated from the other 
columns. ...general Buxhowden, who com- 
manded it, with some of his officers and a 
small party of horse, had the good fortune to 
escape the carnage, and rejoined the army, 
v/hich marched frora Ausierlitz through 
Czeitch to Gording on the road to Hungary ; 
whilst prince Eagrathion with the rear-guard 
covered their retreat by his position before 
Urschitz. After the action Bonaparte sent 
Dallemagne to course the field of battle, 
and to collect all the Russians who remained 
....he returned with several stands of colours 
and 1,000 prisoners. The loss of the French 
in this bkttle did not exceed 8,000 men, of 
whom 3,000 were wounded.... to at of the Rus- 
sians is incalculable. ...one general died at the 
end of the battle ; seven were wounded, and 
fifteen were prisoners. ...the Russian knap- 
sacks, and an immense quantity of baggage, 
with a considerable sum of money belonged 
to the French. ...the captured cannon amount- 
ed to 170, with forty-five stands of colours. 
If all the§e circumstances combined, be duly 



558 THE HISTORY OF 

contemplated, and the proportions between 
the general offiicers, standards, cannon and 
the privates of an army be compared, it can- 
not be disputed that the Russian army must 
have been diminished at least one-third, in 
killed, wounded and prisoners : the two offi- 
cial accounts of the combat are so complete- 
ly at variance that little dependence can be 
placed upon either ; yet the effects which were 
produced by the battle of Austerlitz, incon- 
testably prove that the Russian army was at 
the mercy of the French emperor, and that 
to his forbearance alone was the remnant in- 
debted for the privilege of revisiting their na- 
tive country. 

The French artillery very essentially con- 
tributed to the glory of the day.... the general 
of the staff having related to Bonaparte how 
much they deserved of him for their conduct 
in the battle : " Its success gives me pleasure," 
he replied, " I have not forgotten that it was 
in this corps I began my military career." In 
the evening, and for several hours during the 
night, the French emperor examined the 
field of battle, and directed that all the 
wounded should be removed without delay 
into the moveable hospitals. Although tor- 
tured with the agony of their wounds, the 
mutilated troops seemed for a moment to for- 
get their sufferings ' in the recollection of this 
consummately splendid victory, and recog- 
nizing their commander, some addressed him, 
" the victory is certain j" others, ^' I have 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 



suffered during eight hours, and since the be- 
ginning of the battle have been abandoned, 
but I have performed my duty;" whilst ano- 
ther would tell him, " that he ought to be sa- 
tisfied with his soldiers for their conduct on 
that day." The appearance of the army in- 
dicated general gaiety, and the most unbound- 
ed delight.... the officers of the staff and the 
aides-de-camp were incessantly asked by the 
soldiers " has the emperor been satisfied with 
us to-day ?" 

Thus ended the battle of Austerlitz ; a bat- 
tle which has no parallel in the history of the 
world, whether we consider the effects which 
have resulted from it, the character of the* 
parties who were engaged in it, three empe- 
rors having headed the contending troops, or 
the extent of the defeat. That two armies, 
one of which was certainly inferior to the 
other, should have experienced in the short, 
space of six hours such a different fate, is 
unexampled.. ..the ignorance, incapacity, pre- 
sumption and blindness of the Russian gene- 
ral, are exceeded by the skill, talents, cool- 
ness and perspicacity only of the French em- 
peror ; and these are not equalled except by 
the additional power which Bonaparte ac- 
quired, and the degradation of his two Im- 
perial brothers. 

Upon his return from the field of battle, 
Bonaparte congratulated his army for the 
victory which they had obtained, in this ad- 
dress :... 



360 THE HISTORY OF 

« Head-quarters at Austerlitz^ December second} 
ten o'clock at night. 
Soldiers of the Grand Army, 

" Even at this hour, before this great day shall pass away, 
and be lost in the ocean of eternity, your emperor must address 
you, and express how much he is satisfied with the conduct of 
all those who have had the good fortune to combat in this me- 
morable battle. 

" Soldiers ! You are the first warriors in the Avorld. The 
recollection of this day, and of your deeds, will be eternal I 
Thousands of ages hereafter, as long as the events of the 
universe continue to be related, will it be told, that a Russian 
army of 76,000 men, hired by the gold of England, was anni- 
hilated by you on the plains of Olmutz. The miserable re- 
mains of that army, upon which the commercial spirit of a 
despicable nation had placed its last hope are in flight, and 
hasten to make known to the savage inhabitants of the North, 
what the French are capable of performing ; they will like- 
wise tell them, that after destroying the Austrian army at Ulm, 
you said to Vienna, " That army is no more l",...To Peters- 
burgh you shall also say, " The emperor Alexander has no 
longer an army I" 

" Soldiers of the Grand Army ! Four months have not yet 
elapsed since your emperor spoke thus to you at Boulogne... 
« We march to dissolve a coalition formed by the gold and 
intrigues of England :" and the result has been the overthrow 
of 300,000 soldiers, and of two great monarchies. 

« Soldiers 1 You are worthy of immortality. What will 
your I'elatives ; what will every Frenchman say ? They can ne- 
ver cease to contemplate you with emotions of affection^ and 
admiration : and when your work is completed, when you re- 
turn to your own fire-sides, and to your families, all France 
will exclaim...." These are our brethren, the heroes of Olmutz', 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 361 

who out of an army of 76,000 men, made 10,000 prisoners, took 
140 pieces of cannon, and left 26,000 men dead on the field. 

" Soldiers ! You are my children : the events of this day 
have been worthy of you and of your emperor. 

" NAPOLEON." 

At day break on the following morning, ad- 
ditional praise for the battle of AusterlitZj 
«ras bestowed by the French Emperor : 

" jiusterlitz^ \-2ih Frimaire, December third. 
"Soldiers, 

<* I am satisfied with you. ...you have in the engagement of 
AusteTlitz justified what I expected from your intrepidity. 
You have decorated your eagles with immortal glory An ar- 
any of 100,000 men commanded by the emperors of Russia 
and Austria, has been in less than four hours cut to pieces 
and dispersed ; those who have escaped our swords have been 
drowned in the lakes. 

" Forty pairs of colours, the standards of the imperial 
guards of Russia, 120 pieces of cannon, 20 generals, and up- 
wards of 30,000 prisoners are the result of this memorable 
day. This infantry so much boasted and in superior numbers,' 
lave not been able to resist your shock, and henceforth you 
vill have no more rivals to dread. Thus in two months, this 
tVird coalition has been vanquished and dissolved. Ppace can 
nc longer be at a distance ; but, as I promised my people be- 
fors crossing the Rhine, I will make a peace only which shall 
givt us guarantees and secure rewards to our allies. 

*' Soldiers, when the French people placed the imperial 
crown on my head, I trusted to you to maintain it for ever in 
that Jigh splendour of glory, which could alone render it va. 
luable in my eyes. But the same moment our enemies 
thought of destroyin'g and vilifying it ; and this iron crown 
conquered by the blood of so many Frenchmeni they wished 



362 THE HISTORY OF 

~^ '- ■ — - ■ • ' ■ - t '-•' 

to oblige me to place on the head of our most cruel enen^es ; 

rash and sensless projects which on the very day of the anniver- 
sary of your emperor's coronation, you have annihilated and 
confounded. You have taught them that it is easier to brave 
and to threaten, than it is to conquer us. 

" Soldiers, when every thing necessary to insure the hap- 
piness and prospei'ity of our country shall be accomplished, I 
will conduct you back to France. There you shall be the object 
of my most tender solicitude. My people will again behold 
you with joy, and it will be sufficient for you to say, I was at 
the battle of Austerlitz, for them to answer.. ..that is a brave 

i»an. 

" NAPOLEON." 

Prince John de Lichtenstein visited Bo- 
naparte at his head-quarters in a barn very 
early on the morning of the 12th, third, to 
propose an interview between the emperors 
of France and Germany, which was speedily 
adjusted ; but this did not preclude the French 
army from enhancing its success : it harrass- 
ed the retreat of the Russians, pushed its ad- 
vanced posts to Olmutz, and on the same day 
two skirmishes, one between Bagrathion and 
the advanced guard of the French army a? 
Urschitz, and the other between Davoust 
and general Meerfelt at Cording-, rendered 
the situation of the Russian army hopeless.... 
as without artillery or baggage, they were 
totally surrounded.. ..having neither the abili- 
ty nor the means to continue their retreat. 

The important period which was to esta- 
blish peace on the European continent hav- 
ing nearly arrived, in the afternoon of the 
asth, fourth, Bonaparte left Austerlitz, and 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 3$^ 

proceeded to his straw palace near Sarutchi, 
where the emperor of Germany soon appear- 
ed: their conversation was protracted until 
two hours had elapsed.. ..they in person 
agreed to an armistice, and on the principal 
conditions of peace : the latter requested a 
truce for the Russian army ; Bonaparte observ- 
ed to him, " That they were entirely surround- 
" ed, and that not a man could escape ;" " but," 
added he, " I desire to do that which is 
" agreeable to the emperor Alexander. , I will 
*' permit the Russian army to pass; I will 
" delay the march of my columns ; but your 
" majesty must promise me that the Russian 
" troops shall return to Russia, and evacuate 
" Germany, Austria and Poland." " I cart 
" assure you such is the intention of the em- 
" peror Alexander," replied the emperor of 
Germany ; " in the course of the night your 
*' majesty may convince yourself of it by 
" your own officers." When Bonaparte in- 
vited his royal brother to approach to the fire, 
he said, " I receive you in the only palace 
" which I have inhabited during the past two 
" months." The latter smilingly replied, 
" Vous tirez si bonne partie de cette habita- 
" tion, qu'elle doit vous plaire." " You de- 
" rive so much advantage from this hut that 
" it ought to please you." The prince de 
Lichtenstein and prince Schwarzenberg hav- 
ing been presented to Bonaparte, the mp- 
iiarchs separated.. ..Bonaparte attended th^ 



364 THE HISTORY OF 

German emperor to his carriage, and imme- 
diately returned to Austerlitz. 

General Savary accompanied the emperor 
of Germany after the interview, to ascertain 
whether Alexander would accede to the capi- 
tulation and to the terms of the armistice 
which the two emperors had concluded. 
Prince Czatorinsky introduced general Sava- 
ry, who conversed an hour with the emperor 
of Russia. This monarch asked the detail 
of the day : " You were inferior to me," said 
he, " and nevertheless superior in all the 
" points of attack." " Sire," answered ge- 
neral Savary, " it is the art of war, and the 
*' fruit of fifteen years glory ; it is the fortieth 
" battle of the emperor." " This is true ; 
" he is a great warrior : for my part, it is the 
" first time I have seen fire ; I never shall have 
" the pretensions to meet him in the field." 
" Sire, when you have gained experience, 
" you may perhaps surpass him." " Say to 
" your master," cried the prince, " I will go ; 
" he has this day performed miracles ; this 
*' day has completed my admiration of him. 
" I will return to my capital : I came to assist 
" the emperor of Germany ; he says he is 
" satisfied; so am I. May I retire with safe- 
*' ty ?" " Yes, sir," answered general Savary, 
*' if your majesty will ratify that which the 
'' emperors of France and Germany fixed 
"at their interview." "What is that?" 
" That the Russian army should return home 
" by the rout fixed by the emperor, and that 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 



" it should evacuate Germany and Austrian 
*' Poland. Upon this condition, I have or- 
" ders from the emperor to go to our advan- 
*' ced posts who have surrounded you, and 
*' to protect your retreat ; the emperor wishes 
" to respect the friend of the first consul.'* 
" What guarantee must I give for , this ?" 
" Sire, your word." " I give it." Savary 
departed, quickly rode to marshal Davoust, 
and gave him directions to desist from all mi- 
litary movements. 

On the 14th, sixth, the armistice was sign^ 
ed by Berthier and the prince de Lichtenstein. 
By this convention the whole of the Austrian- 
states continued in the possession of the 
T^rench army until the treaty of peace should 
be signed.. ..the Russians were to evacuate the 
Austrian dominions in the course of a month, 
and no levies were tobe raised or foreign troops. 
" permitted to enter the territory of the house 
of Austria." General Valhuber died of his 
wounds on the 15th, seventh; about an hour 
before his death he sent a letter to Bonaparte : 
" I wished to have done more for you ;" said 
he, " in one hour I shall be no more ; I re- 
gret it not, since I have participated in a vic- 
tory which assures to you a happy reign* 
When you shall think of those brave men, 
who devoted themselves to vou, remember 
me. It is enough for me to mention to you 
that I have a family, I need not recommend 
it to your protection." In conformity with 
the tenour of the armistice, the Russian army 



366 THE HISTORY OF 

: • • f ■■■. '■ 'm ■ _^ 

began its march in three cokimns on the 16th, 
eighth ; the first returned by Cracovia and 
Therespal ; the emperor and duke Constan- 
tine at its head, travelled post to St. Pe- 
tersburg ; the second column marched by 
Kaschaw, Lemberg and Bredi, and the third 
by Cirsirau, Watrell and Husiatin. On the 
same day, Bonaparte informed prince Rep- 
:ain, whd was a prisoner, that he was at full 
Hbei^ty to collect all the troops of the Russi- 
an imperial guard who had been captured, 
and to return with them into Russia. 

At the time when Bonaparte was increas- 
ing the splendour' of his own character as a 
general, his power received much diminuti- 
on from the naval combat at Trafalgar, which 
occurred on the 21st' of October: Nelson, 
who held the highiest rank among sailors, 
commanded the British ships upon this occa- 
sion ; the combined French and Spanish fleets 
consisted of 43 sail, whilst the English fleet 
was several hundred guns inferior to its op- 
ponents, who were directed by Villeneuve 
and Gravina. The action commenced at 12 
o'clock; it was maintained with great spirit, 
and the conflict was uncommonly severe : not 
very long after the beginning of this tremen- 
dous battle. Nelson, who was standing on 
the quarter deck of the Victory, received a 
shot which deprived him of life at forty mi- 
nutes after four o'clock, at which time the 
triumph was complete, nineteen Trench and 
Spanish ships having surrendered to the Eng- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 36?' 

lish....but a terrible gale which continued dur- 
ing three days hindered the British from retain- 
ing possession of the captured vessels : some 
were destroyed on the shore, others v/ere 
sunk by the victorious fleet, whilst a few dis- 
abled, with the English who had been ap- 
pointed to manage them, rolled into Cadiz* 
This contest was one of the most important 
events of the present war, and its effects 
were very great.. ..it deprived the French em- 
peror of a considerable proportion of his ma- 
ritime force, and delayed the completion of 
his designs in the Mediterranean, A very 
remarkable circumstance has attended this 
combat.. ..the English admiral died during the 
engagement, the Spanish commander surviv- 
ed a short tim.e only, and the French admiral 
departed this life on his, return home. 

The town of Nicholsburo' will be celebrated 
in all succeeding ages, as in its castle were 
assembled M. Talleyrand, the prince de 
Lichtenstein, and the count de Guilai, to ar* 
range a definitive treaty of peace ; the terms' 
of which being finally adjusted, it was sign- 
ed at Presburg on the twenty-sixth of De- 
cember, and Bonaparte who continued at 
Schcenbrun ratified it on the following day* 
By this treaty, royal honours were confirm- 
ed to the elector of Bavaria, and the duke of 
Wirtemberg, and large portions of the Aus- 
trian territory deUvered to them to enable 
them suitably to maintain their new dignity. 
The emperor of Austria renounced the Ve- 



368 THE HISTORY OF 

netian states to the French, and admitted 
their junction with the kingdom of Italy, and 
a short time was stipulated to include the re- 
turn of the victorious army to its own coun- 
try.. ..Bfaunau, however, as the depot of 
the army, and as the hospital of the sick, re- 
mained in the possession of the French until 
their property, &:c. could be removed. 

Bonaparte notified the peace to his sol- 
diers, by an address:.... 

*' Soldiers, 

« Peace between me and the emperor of Austria is signed. 
You have in this late season of the year made two campaigns; 
yovi have performed every thing which I expected from you. I 
am setting out to return to my capital. I have promoted and 
distributed rs-wards to those who have distinguished themselves 
most ; I will perform to you every thing which I have promis- 
ed. You have seen that your emperor has shared with you 
all dangers and fatigues ; you shall likewise see him surround- 
ed with all that grandeur and splendour which becomes the so- 
yereign of the first nation in the world. In the beginning of 
the month of May I will give a grand festival at Paris ; you 
shall all be there, and we shall there see whether we are called 
by the happiness of our country and the interests of our glory. 

" Soldiers, during the three months which are necessary 
for your return to France, be the example of all armies. You 
have now to give examples not of your courage and intrepidi- 
ty, but of strict discipline.. ..may my allies no more have to 
complain of your behaviour ! Conduct yourselves, on your ar- 
rival in that territory, like children in the bosom of their family. 
My people will conduct themselves towards you, as they 
lyiust ever do towards their heroes and their defenders. 

« Soldiers, the thought that I shall sec you all in less than 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 369 

half a year assembled round my palace, is pleasing to my 
heart ; and I feel before hand the most delightful emotions. 
We will celebrate the memory of those, who in these tAvo 
campaigns have fallen in the field of honour. The world 
shall see that we are ready to follow their example, and if 
necessary, iii do still more than we have done against those 
%vho attack our honour, or suffer themselves to be misled by 
the gold of the eternal enemy of the continent. 

« NAPOLEON.'* 

The French armies being hberated in Ger- 
many, Bonaparte resolved to add the king- 
dom of Naples to his other Italian possessi- 
ons ; and having a pretext for his conduct in 
the duplicity which its court had exhibited, he 
dispatched St. Cyr to conquer the Neapolitan 
territories, and published his reasons in this 
proclamation:.... 

(( From my Imperial Camp at Schanbrunttf 
December iiventy'^seventh, 
« Soldiers ! For ten years I have done all which I could to 
save the king of Naples : he has done every thing in his pow- 
er to destroy himself. 

« After the battles of Dego, of Mondovi, and of Lodi, he 
could give me no effectual opposition. I placed confidence in 
the word of this prince, and I behaved with generosity towards 
him. 

« When the Second coalition was dissolved at Marens:o, the 
king of Naples who was the first to commence that unjust 
war, abandoned at Luneville by his allies, remained alone, 
and without protectionv He solicited my pardon, and I for- 
gave him a second time. 

" A few weeks ago you were at the gates of Naples. I had 
sufficient reason to suspect the treachery which was intended. 
A A a 



3/6 THE HISTORY OF 



and to avenge the insults which 1 had received, still I -was «;e- 
nerous. I acknowledged the neutrality of Naples ; 1 ordered 
you to evacuate that kingdom, and for the third time, the 
house of Naples was confirmed and saved. 

« Shall we grant pardon for a fourth time ? Shall we, for a 
fourth time, place any confidence in a court AV*i^hout truth, 
honour or common sense I No I No ! The Neapolitan dynasty- 
has ceased to reign ; its existence is incompatible with the re- 
pose of Europe, and the honour of our crown. 

« Soldiers I March, drive into the sea, if they will wait 
your attack, those feeble battalions of the tyrants of the seas. 
Shew to the world the manner in which we punish the perjur- 
ed. Lose no time in informing me, that the whole of Italy is 
subject to my laws or those of my allies ; that the finest coun- 
try of the world is emancipated from the yoke of the most 
perfidious of men ; that the sacredness of treaties is avenged, 
and that the manes of my brave soldiers, who were massa- 
cred in the ports of Sicily, on their return from Egypt, after 
liaving escaped from the dangers of the sea, the deserts, 
and a hundred battles, are at length appeased. 

« Soldiers ! . My brother will lead you on ; he is acquainted 
with all my plans ; he is the depository of my authority ; he 
is in full possession of my confidence ; let him have yours. 

« NAPOLEON." 

The peace of the continent having been 
finally arranged, with the exception of the 
inarch of the French troops into Naples, Bo- 
naparte left Schoenbrunn, in which he had con- 
tinued to reside until the ratification of the 
treaty. Previous to his departure from Vi- 
enna, he ordered his farewell address to be 
distributed throughout the city ; in which he 
thanked them for their orderly behaviour, 
whilst the capital was in possession of his 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. m 

troops, and delivered to them the greatef 
part of the arsenal : the contribution which 
the Austrian states raised for the French ar- 
my, amounted to j^. 1,250,000 sterling. The 
French emperor, attended by Murat and 
Duroc, returned by Passau, and on the 
twenty-ninth of December, entered Munich, 
On the first of January 1806, the elector 
Palatine, and the duke of Wirtemberg were 
proclaimed.. ..the former, king of Bavaria at 
Munich, the latter, king of Suabia at Stut- 
gard. Bonaparte gave to the former a large 
quantity of cannon, which had been captur- 
ed by the Austrians about an 100 years since 
....these were removed from the arsenal at Vi^ 
cnna, and introduced into the capital with 
great solemnity. Bonaparte continued in 
this city until the latter end of January, 
during which interval, on the fifteenth, 
he married prince Eugene, his wife's son, 
viceroy and the adopted king of Italy, 
to Augusta, daughter of the king of Bava- 
ria. The French troops now began to retire 
from Austria, and many of them marched 
into Italy. Bonaparte accompanied by the 
empress, arrived at Paris on January the 
twenty-seventh, and on the following day re- 
ceived the congratulations of the constituted 
authorities in great pomp. 

Since the battle of Austerlitz, the situati- 
on of the European continent has been entire- 
ly changed. One of Bonaparte's brothers, 
Joseph, is king of Naples \ another, LouiSi 



372 THE HISTORY OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 

is king of Holland ; Murat is elevated to the 
Duchy of Berg and Cleves, &c. &c. Thus it 
appears probable that the Bonaparte dynasty 
of potentates is as firmly established as any of 
the ancient European hereditary monarchies. 



^BBEMJDA. 



This chapter contains a variety of detach- 
ed anecdotes, letters and other incidents, all 
of which are necessary to be remembered 
when we would make a due estimate of the 
character of Bonaparte. 

While at school Bonaparte thanked his 
mother in one of his letters, for her great 
care about his future advancement, he says, 
" With my sword by my side, and my Ho- 
mer in my pocket, I hope to find my way 
through the world." 

When with his regiment, the castle of a 
certain nobleman in the vicinity of Grenoble 
was attacked by a body of armed and irri- 
tated peasants ; Bonaparte was sent with 
a small force to defend it. On his arrival he 
saw that the noble owner of the castle was 
in imminent danger of being murdered ; he 
therefore contrived immediately to secrete 
him, and then addressed himself to the vic- 
tors in nearly the following terms : " Are 



574 THE HISTOIlY OF 

you Frenchmen," said he ; this question 
touched them. " What ? Are you French- 
men and without generosity ? No Frenchman 
will ever persecute a fallen enemy." These 
words disarmed them, and Bonaparte by this 
means saved the unfortunate object of their 
hatred and vengeance. 

In his first Italian campaign, Bonaparte 
wrote the following letter to the celebrated 
Oriani, whom he invited to visit him. 

" The pursuits of knowledge which do honour to the hu- 
man understanding, the arts which adorn Hfe, and hand down 
the memory of great exploits to posterity, must ever obtaia 
j-espect in all free governments. All men of genius, all who 
hold a distinguished rank in the republick of letters are 
Frenchmen, be they of what country they may. Men of learn- 
ing in Milan have never obtained the regard which they deserv- 
ed ; living retired in their studies and laboratories, they 
thought themselves fortunate if they were not persecuted by 
kings and priests ; but this will be no more so ; freedom of 
thought is naturalized in Italy, and it will allow no more in- 
quisition, no more intolerance, no more despotism. I invite 
all men of letters to impart to me their ideas as to the method 
by which arts and knowledge may be revived. All learned 
jnen who choose to visit France will be received by the go- 
vernment with the utmost regard. A great mathematician, 
a celebrated painter, or a man of merit in any line, is a more 
valuable acquisition to France than the richest conquest. I re- 
quest that you will make these sentiments known in Milan, to 
all men of distinguished talents or superior merit." 

An incident which occurred at the battle 
of Castiglione, proves that Bonaparte is not 
d,evoid of strong sensibility. At the mo- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. S75 



ment when the ranks of the imperialists 
were broken, and the heat of the pursuit 
was in proportion to the obstinacy of the 
contest, Bonaparte coming up to the spot 
where the thickest of the combat had taken 
place, where French and Austrians ia)^ strew- 
ed in horrible profusion, perceived one living 
object amidst those piles of corpses, which 
was a little barbet-dog. The faithful crea- 
ture stood with his two fore-feet fixed on the 
breast of an Austrian officer ; his long ears 
hung over his eyes, which were rivetted on 
those of his dead master. Bonaparte, struck 
with the piteous spectacle, stopped his horse, 
called his attendants around him, and point- 
ed out the subject of his speculation. " The 
dog," says Bonaparte, " as if he had known 
my voice, removed his eyes from his master, 
and throwing them on me for a moment, re- 
sumed his former posture ; but in that mo- 
mentary look there was a mute eloquence 
beyond the power of language ; it was re- 
proach with all the poignancy of bitterness." 
He gave orders to stop instantly the pursuit 
and carnage. 

The French troops having taken possessi- 
on of Bologna, a lady of that city, seized 
with a sudden panic for her safety, dismiss- 
ed from her house a French priest whom she 
had many years maintained. The poor man, 
finding himself friendless and forsaken, be- 
took himself to Bonaparte. " General," 
said he, ", I am come to ask a favour of you." 



S76 THE HISTORY OF 



'^ What is it ?" replied Bonaparte. " Tiiat 
you will suffer me to be shot at the outside 
of your camp." " What induces you," said 
the general, " to make so singular a re- 
quest ?" " I am a poor, forlorn, and wretch- 
ed priest," said he, " who had no other 
dwelling but in the house of a benefactress, 
and she took it into her head that after the 
arrival of the French army it was no longer 
safe for her to keep me, and now I have no- 
thing left but to die, but I can patiently en- 
dure my lot." " Go," said Bonaparte, " to 
the lady, and tell her from mc, that you 
shall henceforth be her security." 

Bonaparte is remarkable for a sort of keen 
sarcastic point, bordering upon indifference, 
which gives considerable force, in many in- 
stances, to his replies. A soldier, during 
this campaign, came up to him with a rag- 
ged eoat and asked for a new one. " Oh no," 
said he, " that v/ill never do, it will hinder 
your wounds from being seen." 

During the campaign in Italy, the general 
always carried with him a small travelling li- 
brary, which consisted of Caesar's Commen- 
taries, Xenophon, Polybius with Folard's 
notes, and the campaigns of Montecuculi : 
he had also many maps, charts, and drafts, 
from the royal library at Paris ; but his 
favoTirite study was Ossian's Poems. 

Whilst Bonaparte was pursuing his victo- 
rious course, he had scarcely time to think of 
his relations. His mother lived at Toulon, 



NAPOLEON BON AiP ARTE. 375r 

■ I > ■ ■■ ■ . ■ ■ ■ ' -... . ■ , ■ ■ , 

and his brother Joseph was engaged in trade 
at the same place, but he soon determined 
to quit it and endeavour to profit by the good 
fortune of his brother; accordingly he ap- 
plied to his relation Salicetti, who gave him 
a good office in the commissary department. 
When Bonaparte heard of this he sent for 
him and asked him if he wanted money. 
*' If you do," said he, " tell me, and you 
shall be welcome to the half of my purse ; 
but I must request you to give up your place 
immediately and leave the army, for I will 
never have it laid to my charge that I have 
used my influence improperly to provide for 
my? family. Return to Toulon, and there 
you may be always sure of advancing your- 
self by trade." 

Among the Austrian prisoners on the sur- 
render of Mantua, Bonaparte heard the 
name of Montecuculi, and he asked the offi- 
cer who bore it, whether he was a descen- 
dent of the great general of that name, to 
which he answered in the affirmative:.... 
" You have shewn yourself worthy of him," 
replied Bonaparte, and immediately gave 
him his liberty. 

About this time the general procured the 
release of La Fayette and his companions 
from the dungeons of Olmutz. 

To gain the affections of the people, Bo- 
naparte has always endeavoured to conciliate 
the clergy, for though he has done all in his 
Bfib 



378 THE HISTORY OF 

power to weaken their iniiuence as a body, 
he has every where availed himself of the 
efforts of individuals : to the military his con- 
duct has been exactly the reverse, he has 
been regardless of giving any offence to in- 
dividuals, but constantly, as a body, court- 
ed their support. His letter to the arch-bi- 
shop of Genoa is one amongst many other 
proofs of his policy towards the clergy :.... 

« CirizENy 
" I have just received your pastoral letter, in which I al- 
most recognize one of the twelve apostles. It was thus, 
without doubt, that St. Paul wrote. How respectable does 
religion appear when it has such ministers as you are ; for you 
are a true apostle, an evangelical apostle ; you obtain the es- 
teem even of your enemies. Hov/ comes it that the clergy of 
your diocese are animated by so different a spirit ? Jesus 
Christ sought to act by means of conviction, and he chose ra- 
ther to die than to employ violence in the propagation of his 
doctrine. Wicked priests preach only revolution and blood- 
shed { like Judas they «ell their people. I hope soon to be 
in Genoa, where it will give me the greatest pleasure to con- 
Terse with you. Bishops like Fenelon....like the arch-bishops 
of Milan, Ravenna and Genoa, make rehgion moi'e amiable; 
they not only preach virtue, but practise it. A good bishop is 
the best gift which heaven can give to any city or country on 

earth. 

« BONAPARTE." 

Bonaparte after the conclusion of the 
peace at Rastadt, left Italy with the simple 
equipage of a private gentleman, attended 
by two generals only, two aides-de-camp, a 
secretary and a physician. At Geneva he 
dined, with the French resident, and having 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 37^ 

been expected for some time, relays of horses 
were waiting for him on the road, and im- 
mense crowds of people were in earnest 
expectation to behold him. At Mondon, 
where he slept the night before, he had been 
received with great honours by the celebrated 
colonel Weiss, the bailiff of the place, a 
man well known by his political and philoso- 
phical writings, by his zeal for liberty and 
admiration of Bonaparte. Near Avenche 
his carriage broke down, and he was obliged 
to walk for some miles. One among the 
crowd of spectators who had assembled to 
see him thus speaks of him :....'' I had art 
opportunity of being very near to him, and 
he appeared to me always to be talking to 
those around him as if he were thinking 
about something else : he has the mark of 
great sense in his countenance, and an air of 
profound meditation which reveals nothing 
that is passing within him ; he seems con- 
stantly big with deep thought, which will 
some day or other influence the destinies of 
Europe." A burgess of Morat observed 
with astonishment the figure of the general. 
" How small a stature for so great a man,'* 
said he, loud enough to be heard by one of 
the aides-de-camp. " He is exactly the 
height of Alexander," said some one. 
" Yes," replied the aide-de-camp, "and that 
is not the only trait of resemblance." He 
left Geneva on the twenty-second of Novem- 
ber in the evening, and arrived the next 



386 THE HISTORY OF 

night at Berne. At Faubroun, a small vil' 
lage nine miles from Berne, he supped with 
a large party who had. from curiosity and 
respect accompanied his train; after which 
he went on to Soleure. All the towns 
through which he passed in the night wer6 
illuminated. At Basle he stopped some 
hours, walked round the town, and received 
a long and flattering address from the burgo- 
master. In passing through Lausanne they 
haci prepared a grand fete for him, which he 
did not appear to enjoy: three citizens stop- 
ped his carriage and presented to him three 
young ladies, who repeated some fine com- 
plimentary verses ; an immense crowd as- 
sembled around him, and testified great joy by 
their shouts and acclamations. He thanked 
them with great good humour ; but appeared 
indeed every whdre to shew a profound con- 
tempt for popular opinion and popular ap- 
plause. He spoke very little to strangers 
through his whole journey, and seemed to be 
sensible that every word which he said 
would be noted. 

The government of Berne had sent a de- 
puty to him at Milan, who accompanied him 
on his journey and had a son with him, a boy 
about thirteen years old, and of very quick 
parts, much above his age. Bonaparte seem- 
ed ahvays very fond of talking to him.'' He 
found him one day with a map of Switzer- 
land. " What are you looking at there ?" 
S3.id the general. " Some parts of my owft 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 381 

country which I am not acquainted with," re- 
phed the youth. " Do you know that part?" 
said Bonaparte, pointing to Porentrui. 
" That does not belong to us," rephed the 
youth. " We mean to give it you," return- 
ed the general. " And what do you mean to 
ask in exchange" ? said the boy. "Nothing," 
said Bonaparte, " we will make you a pre- 
sent of it." " Nothing ?" returned the youth 
thoughtfully, " Ah! Timeo Danaos et dona 
ferentes." .Bonaparte immediately threw his 
arms about him in a rapture, and said to his 
father, " Take care of this boy's education ; 
he will be no common man some day or 
other." 

When he came near to the little village of 
Faubroun, which is surrounded with thick 
fir trees, he left his carriage and walked 
to the inn, humming the tune of " Paisible 
bois." He talked very freely to the landlord, 
and asked him if he paid any taxes ? " No," 
said the man, " we hardly know what they 
are." " Have you no land of your own ?" 
" Yes, about fifty pounds a year." "Do 
you pay no taxes for that ''" " Yes, the tythes 
and quit rent, which are no more than the 
annual wages of one of my husbandmen ; I 
reckoned that in the expence of working my 
land, and I paid for it accordingly." " Does 
your government levy no tax upon the 
land ?" " None." " How then does it pay its 
expences ?" " With the produce of its do^ 
mains, which is not only sulficient for the 



382 THE HISTORY OF 

purpose, but leaves a balance every year." 
" You are very well satisfied with your go- 
vernment then I suppose ?" "And so I ought 
to be/' replied the landlord, " with a govern- 
ment v/hich does great good to the poor and 
no harm to the rich." " If all this be true," 
said Bonaparte, turning to one of his offi- 
cers, " these are the happiest people in the 
world." " Aye," said the inn-keeper, " and 
I wish all people were equally so." 

Bonaparte, after his arrival at Paris, shun- 
ned every opportunity of being noticed : he 
lived in a small house and retired street ; 
received very little company ; avoided all 
crowded places, and never travelled but in a 
plain carriage with two horses : he dined 
sometimes with the different ministers of 
state, and never appeared but twice at any 
public meeting. 

Tiie ceremony of his presentation to the 
directory was attended with every degree of 
splendour and parade. The great court of 
the Luxembourg was the place chosen for 
this superb spectacle ; it was covered v/ith an 
extensive awning, and the walls were deco- 
rated with hangings of the national colours 
and military trophies ; at one end was an al- 
tar surmounted with statues of liberty, equa- 
lity and peace, and ornamented with the dif- 
ferent standards which had been captured from 
the enemy ; on each side of the altar were 
seats in a semi-circular form, composing^ a 
vast amphitheatre, and destined for the coa- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 283 

stituted authorities and the conservatory of 
music ; from the wails v/ere suspended the 
colours of the diiferent armies of the repub- 
lic ; an immense crowd Hned the court and 
windows of the palace, and all the neigh- 
bouring streets were filled with those who 
could not gain admittance within; the air perr 
petually resounded with their acclamations 
and shouts of joy. At twelve o'clock at noon 
the sound of cannon announced the com- 
mencement of tlie fete, ana the procession, 
which consisted of the directory, the ministers 
of state and constituted authorities, began to 
move from their different places of m.eeting 
towards the Luxembourg; after they had ar- 
rived and were all seated, the president of the 
directory gave orders to inform the foreign 
ministers, the minister of war, and the gene- 
rals Bonaparte, Joubert and Andreossi, that 
the directory v/ere ready to receive them. 
The musick began a beautiful symphony, 
which was soon interrupted by the sound of 
repeated shouts rending the air with " Long 
live the republick,"...." Long live Bonaparte,'* 
...." Long live the great nation." The noise 
continued to increase, the crowd kept press- 
ing forward, every eye sparkled with expec- 
tation and curiosity, and turned towards the 
great door: Bonaparte ente'red, the enthusi- 
asm of the people was at its height, not a 
single person was silent, but all cried out 
with one impulse and v/ith one accord, " The 
deliverer of Italy^"...." The pacificator of the 



584 THE HISTORY OF 

continent." Bonaparte came forward with 
calmness and dignity : he was accompanied 
by the minister of foreign relations, the mi- 
nister of war and his aides-de-camp ; the mu- 
sick played the hymn to liberty, and every 
one stood up uncovered. When he had ar- 
rived at the steps of the altar he was present- 
ed to the directory by Talleyrand, in a speech 
suited to the occasion; after it was finished, 
all seemed eager to hear the conqueror of 
Italy, the simplicity and modesty of whose 
appearance formed a fine contrast to the gran- 
deur of his situation, and every one figured 
him at the bridge of Lodi, at Areola, or at 
Campo Tormio. A profound silence imme- 
diately ensued whilst the great negociator 
presented to the president of the directory 
the emperor's ratification of the treaty, and 
spoke as follows :-... 

" Citizens Directors, 
« The French people, in order to be free, had to combat 
with kings ; to obtain a constitution founded upon reason, they 
had to vanquish the prejudices of eighteen centuries. The 
constitution of the third year and you, have triumphed over 
all obstacles. Religion, feudality and royalty have successive- 
ly governed Europe, but the peace which you have concluded 
forms the jera of representative governments. You have or- 
ganized the great nation whose vast territory is circumscribed 
by the limits only which nature herself hath placed. You 
have done more. The two most beautiful parts of Europe, 
formerly so celebrated for the arts, the sciences, and the 
great men whom they produced, see with renovated hope the 
genius of liberty rising from the tombs of their ancestors. 
These are the two pedestals on which the destinies have pla^^ 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 385 

cd other nations. I have the honour to present the treaty- 
signed at Campo Formio, and ratified by his Imperial niaiesty. 
Peace gives the earnest of hberty, prosperity and glory to the 
republick. When the happiness of the French people shall 
rest on well-formed organick laws, all Europe will become 
free." 

The hero had scarcely finished when shouts 
of acclamation on all sides seemed to reach 
the clouds. " Long live the republick"..., 
" Long live Bonaparte," were the general 
cry. The president answered him in a very 
long speech, and afterwards gave him the 
fraternal embrace, in which he was followed 
by the other members of the directory: this was 
witnessed with great emotion by all present. 
Bonaparte descended from the altar, and the 
minister of foreign relations conducted him 
to an arm chair which was prepared for him, 
before the diplomatick body. The con- 
servatory of musick then performed the 
Chant du Retour, the words by Ghenier and 
the musick by Mehul. The other generals 
were next presented, and received and re- 
turned addresses suitable to the occasion ; af- 
ter which they took their different seats pre- 
pared for them in front of Bonaparte, and the 
musick played the Chant du Depart. The 
directors then dissolved the sitting, and re- 
turned to their palace with the rest of the pro-' 
cession in the same order in which they 
came. The spectators saluted Bonaparte' 
with similar applause at his departure as 
Cc c 



3B6 THE HISTORY OF 

upon his entrance. A magnificent dinner was 
given at the Luxembourg to the general and 
an immense number of civil and military offi- 
cers : the evening concluded with a ball at 
the bouse of the minister of the interior. 

On his arrival off Malta he sent this letter 
to the bishop :.... 

" To THE Bishop of Malta. 
« I have learnt with sincere pleasure, good Mr. Bishop, 
the kind conduct and reception which you have shewn to the 
French troops. You may assure the people of your diocese 
that the cathohck, apostohck and Roman religion shall not on- 
ly be treated with regard, but its ministers especially protect- 
ed. I know no character more respectable, or more worthy 
of veneration, than a priest who, inspired by the true spirit of 
the gospel, is persuaded that his duty ordains bim to render 
unfeigned obedience to the temporal power, to maintain peace, 
tranquillity and union in his diocese. I request you immedi- 
ately to repair to the town of Malta, and to preserve, by your 
influence there, harmony and tranquillity among the people. 
I myself shall be there this evening. I request also, thatupon 
my arrival you will introduce to me all the priests and other 
chiefs belonging to Malta and the surrounding villages. Be 
assured of the desire which I have to prove to you the esteems 
and consideration which I have for you personally." 

The sympathetic letter which Bonaparte 
sent to the widow of admiral Brueys, who 
died in the battle of the Nile, is a most beau- 
tiful specimen of epistolary composition :.... 

« Your husband was killed by a cannon ball whilst fighting 
nobly for his country : he died without suffering for a moment, 
and his death is envied by all good soldiers, I feel sincerely 
ftr what you must suifer. The moment which separates tt^ 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. S87 

from the person whom we love is terrible ; it insulates us from 
every thing around us, and causes convulsions of agony : the 
faculties of the soul are almost annihilated, and we hardly 
preserve any connection with the world but in a dream. Men 
appear to us more cold, more selfish, more wicked, and more 
odious than they really are. We think in this situation, that 
if *here was nothing which compelled us to live, it were better 
for us to die ; but after these first emotions, when we press 
our infants to our breast, tears and sentiments of tenderness 
awaken nature within us, and we live again for our children. 
Yes, madam, let me advise you to see them instantly ; let 
them soften your heart to the tender impressions of melan- 
choly ; you will weep over them, you will watch over their in- 
fancy and cultivate their youth ; you will speak to them of 
their father, of your ov/n sufferings, and of the loss which 
they and their country have sustained. After having thus re- 
attached yourself to the world by filial and maternal love, en- 
deavour to set some value upon the lively interest which I shall 
never fail to take in all that concerns the widow of my friend. 
Be satisfied that there are at least some men in the workL how 
few soever they may be, who deserve to be considered as the 
only hope of the wretched, because they feel for their suffer- 
ings with sensibility. 

" BONAPARTE." 

At the commencement of his last campaign 
in Italy, Bonaparte evinced the most tender 
regard for the memory of Virgil ...he wrote 
to the commandant of Mantua : " The peo- 
ple of the village of Andes, in which Virgil 
was born, shall on that account be exempted 
from all contributions ; and you will take care 
that all the losses which they have sustained 
during the siege of Mantua shall be repaid." 

The poissards have been from time imme- 



$88 .THE HISTORY OF 

morial accustomed upon any great and fortu- 
nate event to send a deputation of their sis- 
terhood to the kings and ministers of France, 
and since the revolution to the various rulers 
of the republick, to offer their congratulati- 
ons, accompanied by a large bouquet of flow- 
ers. Upon the elevation of Bonaparte to 
the supreme authority of France, according 
to custom, they sent a select number from 
their body to present him with their good 
wishes, and usual fragrant donation. The 
first consul sternly received them, and after 
rejecting their nosegay, commanded them to 
retire, and in future to attend to their hus- 
bands, their children and their fisheries, and 
tiever more to attempt an interference in mat- 
ters relating to the state. Upon which he 
ordered the pages in waiting to close the door 
upon them. 

These formidable dames, so celebrated for 
their ferocity, retired, chagrined and chap- 
fallen, from the presence of the imperious 
consul, and have not attempted to force ei- 
ther their congratulations or their bouquets 
upon any of the public functionaries since 
that period. 

The following anecdote is related in the 
language of the Frenchman who published it 
in Wilson's expedition :.... 

« Bonaparte, notwithstanding his successes and fame, was 
considered by those who knew him best, as not in himself pos- 
sessing the great qualities ascribed to him. We regarded him 
as indebted more to an extraordinary peculiar good fortune. 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 589 

forcing- irresistible circumstances to his advantage, than to his 
own abilities and exertions. After his repulse at Acre, our 
opinion was confirmed, and we expected to see him return de- 
jected, conscious of disgrace, his shame aggravated by the 
recollection of his having sent a messenger with a dispatch, 
and which was read in the Institute, in which he expressed 
himself, " In three days I shall be in Acre ; when you open 
this, be assured that Djezzar Pacha is no more."— The day 
before he entered Cairo, we received orders, to our astonish- 
ment, to prepare illuminations, triumphal arches, &c. in ho- 
nour of the conquerors of Syria and of Djezzar Pacha. The 
troops, who had despondingly anticipated a different recep- 
tion, whose murmurs against the man who had planned their 
expedition amounted to mutiny, whose expressions even me- 
nanced death to him as an atonement for their seven thou- 
sand comrades who had perished, saw with surprise the ho- 
nours paid to them ; heard their chief and themselves styled 
conquerors ; and, in the delirium of vanity, forgot their inju- 
ries. The next morning Bonaparte, assured of the intoxica- 
tion still continuing, assembled his army on parade, distribu- 
ted rewards, then moved forwards a battalion of grenadiers, 
whom he upbraided with having refused to make another as- 
sault on Acre, and sentenced them to carry their arms slung 
behind till their character was retrieved. It was then we 
pronounced Bonaparte really a great man. We confessed 
his knowledge of human nature, who in a few hours could so 
improve his situation and rc-assume his influence, as to disgrace 
those very men, who the day before would, with the applause 
of their comrades, had he uttered a word of censure, have 
instantlji assassinated him." 

There are three charges alledged against 
Bonaparte by his enemies, which it would be 
improper not to notice ; all of them having the 
same object, to prove, that as he is the most 
powerful, so he is the most barbarous, cruel 



390 THE HISTORY OF 



and unfeeling of the human race : the first 



charge is thus stated :.... 

" That he buried alive the dying and the wounded after the 
battle of Salo ; he commanded all who were deemed no long- 
er fit for service, to be thrown into the waggons among the 
dead, and there either strangled or suffocated ; but in spite of 
this precaution, the waggons seldom arrived at the burying 
ground without sending forth the cries and groans of those 
who were about to be buried alive ; they were conveyed to an 
immense pit for the purpose, and immediately covered with 
live loads of quick lime, which, thrown in upon their green 
wounds, occasioned such exquisite pain, that the rector of 
Salo positively died of the horror with which he was seized 
upon hearing their cries. They were at length, however, 
completely covered with earth." 

This allegation rests entirely upon an ano 
nymous letter, said to have been written by a 
I^rench officer who had been wounded in the 
battle of Areola, and was published by Pel- 
tier: but it is impossible that such a crime 
could have been committed ; for the soldiers 
v/hom he commanded would not have retain- 
ed their enthusiastick attachment to such a, 
general, and afterwards have accompanied 
him to Egypt. The only English author who 
has mentioned the fact, although he manifests 
every desire to believe it, admits that it wants 
confirmation ; it must therefore be denominat- 
ed an audacious falsehood. 

The second and third charges are from 
Wilson's expedition to Egypt, who affirms 
that Bonaparte on the third day after the sur- 
render of Jaffa, ordered 3,800 prisoners 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 391 



whom he had captured in battle, to be mur- 
dered m the vicinity of that town :.... 

«' Bonaparte had in person inspected the whole body, annount- 
ing to near 5,000 men, with the object of saving those who 
belonged to the towns which he was preparing to attack. The 
aged and noble physiognomy of a veteran Janissary attracted hi&, 
observation, and he asked him sharply, ^^ Old man, what do 
you do here ?" The Janissary undaunted, replied, " I must 
ansvi^er that question by asking you the same ; your answer 
will be, that you came to serve your Sultan; so did I mine.'* 
The intrepid frankness of the reply excited universal interest 
in his favour. Bonaparte even smiled. " He is saved," 
whispced some of the aides-de-camp. " You know not Bona- 
parte," observed one that served with him in Italy, " that 
smile, I speak from experience, does not proceed from the 
sentiment of benevolence, rentiember what I say." The opi- 
nion was true. The Janissary was left in the ranks, doomed 
to death, and suffered." 

He next asserts that Bonaparte, by order- 
ing opium to be administered in the food 
which was given to the sick, poisoned 580 
of his own soldiers ; and that after the return 
of Bonanarte from Syria, the physician who 
had refused to mix the opium charged him 
in the sitting of the institute with this atro- 
city, and added that he had directed a num- 
ber of French and Copts, ill of the plague at 
Rosetta, to be strangled. 

» Bonaparte pleaded that he had ordered the garrison to be 
desti'oyed, because he had not provisions to maintain them, or 
strength enough to guard them ; and that it was evident if 
they escaped, they would act against the French, since amongst 
the prisoners were 580 of the garrison of El Arisch, who had 
promised not to serve again, and that he destroyed the sick te 



393 THE HISTORY OF 



prevent contagion, and to save them from falling into the 
hands of the Turks." 

The truth of these charges depends up- 
on the credibihty of Sir Robert Wilson 
alone; and if the former should be admitted 
as fact, a short elucidation may place the 
circumstance in its proper point of view. It 
should be remembered however, that the 
garrison were summoned to lay down their 
arms ; that they were the same troops whom 
Bonaparte had already liberated, upon con- 
dition of not serving against the French ; that 
they were a faithless sanguinary banditti, 
who, if the general had dismissed them, 
would have again been found in arms against 
him ; and that Berthier's narrative states that 
they were slain during the assault. Passing 
over this incontrovertible evidence, it is pro- 
per to shew that Bonaparte is justified by law 
and by British examples. 

The conduct of Edward III. at the siege 
of Calais, and when the town offered to sur- 
render, is familiar to every person in the least 
acquainted with history: nevertheless his 
barbarity is obliterated. After the battle of 
Agincourt, when Henry V. was receiving ihe 
congratulations of his nobles, it was reported 
that his camp was attacked ; a small party of 
French was endeavouring to plunder the bag- 
gage.. ..they were surrounded by the English, 
and Henry ordered them to be immediately 
dispatched. At the siege of Rouen, which 
was defended by the inhabitauts with the ut- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 393 

most obstinacy, the same monarch erected 
gibbets around the city, and regularly hung 
all his prisoners. To preserve the stock of 
provisions, 12,000 useless persons were dis- 
missedfromthe city; who were refused a pas- 
sage through the British camp, and were driven 
back to the ramparts, where they remained 
exposed to all the miseries of want, the in- 
clemency of the weather, and the bails and 
arrows of the besiegers and the citizens. 
Having consented to the terms upon which 
they would surrender, Henry, as soon as the 
number to be immolated were delivered to 
him, ordered the immediate execution of 
Alain Blanchard, through whose efforts the 
city had been excited so long to resist the 
English army. But to recur to our own 
times: Nelson during the attack upon Copen^ 
hagen, captured some floating batteries, with 
a considerable number of prisoners ; as his 
situation was not very safe, he wrote to the 
prince of Denmark the following note : 
" Lord Nelson has directions to spare Den- 
'' mark, when no longer resisting, but if the 
" firing be continued on the part of Denmark, 
" Lord Nelson must be obliged to set on fire 
" all the floating batteries which he has tak- 
*' en, without having the power of saving the 
" brave Danes who have defended them." 
If we could believe all that Wilson says of 
the slaughter of the Turks at Jafl"a, it is not 
comparable in cruelty to this threat ; for Bo- 
DdcJ 



394 THE HISTORY OF 

naparte's prisoners had forfeited their parole, 
and by the merciless laws of war were liable 
to death ; but Nelson's prisoners had made 
no engagement, and consequently could 
claim the rights which although captured 
they possessed. But if Bonaparte had car- 
ried these Turks from Jaffa to Acre, and 
threatened to shoot them before the Butcher, 
if he would not surrender the town, he 
would have rejoiced at the sight of blood.... 
and even Sidney Smith, in his letters, speaks 
in terms of approbation of his mutilating the 
French prisoners, and drowning them bound 
in sacks. If Bonaparte were guilty of the 
charge, as he undoubtedly is not, he may be 
exculpated by general custom, his own si- 
tuation, and the conduct of those with whom 
he contended. These remarks are not de- 
signed to justify any murderers ; every mili- 
tary man acting on the offensive is accounta- 
ble for all the lives which he may sacrifice. 
We may be dazzled with the splendour of 
victories, in which the talents and courage 
of the general or admiral have been strong- 
ly exhibited; hut truth speedily divests them 
of this adventitious lustre, and declares eve- 
ry man an enemy to humanity who inflicts in- 
jury on our race ; and him who has occasion- 
ed most misery to be the most unworthy of 

esteem. Sed satis. 

The third charge is so destitute of proba- 
bility and authenticity, that it is truly won- 
derful it should have been repeated. Every 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. S95 

liberal English historian denies it as strongly 
as it is asserted ; Stephens, the most candid 
writer on the subject of the French revolu^ 
tion, says:.... 

" This diabolical policy, unjustly attributed to Frederick 
the Great, has alo been imputed to Bonaparte. There can 
be no doubt but that the accusation originated in his own 
camp ; and it has been recently reiterated in a work just pub- 
lished by an officer who served with the English army in 
Egypt. 

" It is but candid however to state, that nothing beyond bare 
assertion has been as yet adduced, and that proofs of an ex- 
culpatory tendency may be brought in favour of the first con- 
sul. 

" Desgenettes, the physician-general to the army, who is 
«aid to have refused to participate in the horrid deed propos- 
ed to him by Bonaparte, has borne ample testimony to his 
tenderness and attention to his troops whilst afflicted with the 
plague ; and he expressly states in his " Histoire Medicale de 
I'armee d'Orient," that the general visited those who were 
confined with that dreadful malady in person, and even assist- 
ed in the most menial offices for their relief. 

" Notwithstanding I am well aware that it may be easy for 
an ambitious chief to feign that humanity which is foreign to 
his heart, yet until something in the shape of proof be brought 
forward, this accusation does not appear entitled to the sanc- 
tion of history." ^ 

Arthur Aikin, an author by no means friend- 
ly to the excesses of the French revolution, 
remarks thus :.... 

« This affair of Jaffa, which appeared deplorable to the 
French generals, supplied Sidney Smith with a story of the 
inhuman massacre at Jaffa, and Mr. Morier with that of the 
4,500 prisoners of war, who were made to .staiKj still while 



595 THE HISTORY OF 



the soldiers murdered them by charge of bayonet, and which 
has this poetical ending : *' To this day their skeletons, and 
the sands steeped with gore, attest the barbarous act." It Is 
lamentable to hear an ambassador's secretary, a man who 
ought to know something of the calumnies to which publick 
characters are exposed, bring all history into contempt by re- 
lating such things as these ; but he goes on to say, that after 
the siege of Acre, Bonaparte poisoned his wounded." 

When the two last charges agamst the con- 
sul were published, they were immediately 
contradicted by the French generals, and the 
identical physician to whom it was asserted 
Bonaparte had applied to poison the troops, 
denied the whole, and on the contrary re- 
presented that on his return from Syria, to 
expedite his march, and to secure the safety 
of the sick and wounded, the general travell- 
ed on foot, and frequently delivered his horse 
for the service of the afflicted soldiers. The 
truth of the original tale was again asserted 
by Wilson in a letter published since the 
commencement of the present war.. ..at a time 
when the agents of the British government 
were plotting to assassinate the consul and 
to overthrow his authority, and when every 
means were considered proper to excite in the 
nation the strongest hatred to the French 
people and their governors, and to nourish 
the most enthusiastick determination to resist 
the threatened invasion. What could have 
been so well calculated to beget and to en- 
courage this spirit in the British dominions, 
as a demonstration of the truth of this state- 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 39f 

ment? notwithstanding this imperious neces- 
sity, which demanded indubitable evidence, 
Wilson assures us of its truth " upon his ho- 
nour'' only. Does that author suppose that 
" his honour" can overcome the evidence of 
a whole life, or that the denial in France is 
not as weighty with the impartial observer, 
as the affirmation in England. That Wilson 
invented the story may be doubted, but that 
he has pledged his reputation upon its truth 
is incontrovertible. Why does he not bring 
forward the evidence of which he says he is 
possessed ? And considering that every atro- 
city which can debase man, has been reported 
of Bonaparte since the declaration of war in 
1803, its not being substantiated except by an 
individual's " honour," is very strong evi- 
dence that the narrative is a fabrication. If 
Bonaparte had murdered 580 of his own 
sick, an event which must have been notori- 
ous to all engaged in the expedition into Sy- 
ria, would not the army at once have lost 
their attachment to him ? Could he have re- 
turned to Egypt, and disgraced one of his 
battalions of grenadiers ? Could he have es- 
caped the revenge of some individual among 
the troops ? Could he have intimidated all 
the soldiers who were with him in Egypt, so 
that none should ever authenticate the com- 
mission of the outrage? Could seven 
years have rolled away, and nothing but as- 
sertion be adduced to prove the truth of a 
crime so great and indescribably barbarous P 



398 THE HISTORY OF 

And must this statement be believed because 
a military man of " honour" avows it ? If the 
subject were not so grave, the calumny so 
great, and the tale so preposterous, it would 
almost excite a laugh to consider how easily 
the world are duped, and from not investi- 
gating the subjects proposed to their at- 
tention, how quickly they believe the most 
gross slander if it be boldly and impudently 
affirmed, and when contradicted, persisted in 
with the strongest asseverations. Whether 
these charges against Bonaparte be true or 
false, they cannot be credited until complete 
proof be promulged, as they contradict the 
whole life of the French emperor, are incon- 
sistent with his general character, and the 
perpetration of them would have evinced an 
imprudence and a want of wisdom, with 
which he is not in any degree chargeable. 
The instances of sensibility, generosity and 
kindness to his army, which are narrated in 
this history, are a very strong evidence of the 
untruth of these allegations, and united to 
the other reasons in his favour, justify the 
impartial historian and reader in the conclusi- 
on, that the whole is a calumny, and 
that the French emperor is innocent in these 
respects ; and the solemnity with which this 
tale has been published to the world, com- 
pared with its falsity, authorize the opinion, 
that he has likewise been injured in number- 
less manufactured slanders which have no 
other foundation than political legerdemain, 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 



a malevolent heart, and an unblushing coun- 
tenance. 

Bonaparte soon after his elevation to the 
consulate, considering that the manners of 
fashionable life in France, and especially se- 
parate chambers, were not friendly to mo- 
rals, determined by his example to lessen if 
possible the general licentiousness. The 
palace of St. Cloud was at this time prepar- 
ing for him ; the principal architect requested 
of him to point out in what part of the pa- 
lace he would wish to have his separate sleep- 
ing room. " I do not know what you mean," 
said the consul, " crimes only divide the hus- 
" band from his wife. Make as many bed- 
*^ rooms as you please, but one only for me 
" and Madame Bonaparte." 

" The emperor's countenance, though grave 
and serious, often relaxes into a smile of infi- 
nite benignity. He has little relish for the 
common pleasures of mankind, and seems 
not to shew himself at publick places for the 
sake of amusement. He is very fond of riding 
and driving carriages ; hates large companies, 
and has therefore abolished the state dinners 
which he used to give when consul ; but he 
sometimes relaxes in small parties, and plays 
at cards for trifling sums, though he never 
permits any thing like gaming in his pre- 
sence ; he is fond of dancing in a small cir- 
cle, , and sometimes requests the princess 
JLouis to give him a ball, to which he names 
the company to be invited ; they seldom ex- 



400 THE HISTORY OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 

ceed thirty. To supply the want of sleep, 
and to refresh himself after fatigue, he fre- 
quently uses the warm bath ; and that he may 
lose no time by the operation, dictates letters, 
receives dispatches, and gives audience to 
his ministers in that situation : he retires soon 
after to rest, and rises again as early as when 
he lived at Nice." 

" The success of Bonaparte has been 
more singular than his talents. ...every thing 
has conspired to promote his designs, and 
no instance is to be found in history of any 
man having risen from so low an origin to 
such a height of power ; his character 
therefore is the greatest phenomenon which 
has ever appeared in the world. Csesar was 
of a noble family ; Alexander was born a 
prince ; Pompey never equalled him ; and 
as to the savage conquerors of Asia and Eu- 
rope, they are not to be compared to him, ei- 
ther in extent of dominion or talents. The 
barbarous Goths, and the still more barba- 
rous Turks, triumphed not over great and 
powerful nations, but over a luxurious 
and enervated empire. Bonaparte contended 
with the best disciplined and most vigorous 
forces which Germany, in her best times, 
ever sent into the field, and has surmounted 
the most subtle statesmen in Europe." 



FINIS. 



A COMPREHENSIVE VIEW 



French Revolution^. 



THAT immense change in the situation of the world, 
which is owing to the French revohition, has excited the as- 
tonishment of all civilized nations, and produced an invesliga- 
tiou of the basis upon which so stupendous a superstructure 
has been raised. 

The revolution in America operated like an electiick si ock 
upon the French people, who were burdened uith taxes, im-^ 
poverished by perpetual exactions, and constantly troaning 
under severe toil and incessant labour, for which they receiv- 
ed little remuneration, being pinched by poverty ar.d dispi- 
rited by want. But many domestick causes enccurrged that vi- 
olent demand for liberty which was too irresistible to be deni- 
ed by a government which had so long sway«d the nation 
without controul, kindness or affection. 

The disordered situation of the publick finrnces ; the zeal 
of the parliaments ; the spirit ol defection which had become 
general in the army, since the return of those tioops who un- 
der La Fayette had visited the United States, and joined to 
establish their independence ; and that inherent love of liber, 
ty which distinguishes the French nation in every part of their 
history, must have co-operated with much success to intro* 
duce the change which soon followed. Besides these reasons, 
the situation of the govei'nment was adapted, when the flame 
began to rage, to increase it. and to hinder it fiom being ex- 
tinguished. The French kings from the earliest ages have 

* The former part of this sketch is much ind^bt<d to the iot*odu«« 
tion prefixed to Stephens' wars. 

E K e 



2 



liurtured a warlike spirit in those whom they govern, and 
this when stimulated, may be a defence to the government, 
or the source of their punishment. The soldiers who return- 
ed from America were filled with inefTable surprize, when 
they saw the debased state of their countrymen, and recollect- 
ed the independence of the citizens of the United States. 
They had perceived in the latter, virtue, talents and publick 
usefulness rewarded, and their contraries despised ; they had 
discovered penury to be no disgrace, and wealth to be no re- 
commendation : whilst at home they were robbed by a corrupt, 
disorderly, dronish clergy, who seldom or never instructed 
them, and whose sole object was to preserve their own benefi- 
ces, and the gross darkness of the middle age among the 
people ; their governors also were an hereditary aristo- 
cracy, the cfTspring of opulerce and rieanness, splendid in 
their appearance, disgraced by immense vices, and exalted so 
high, as to have little connection with those who were become 
*' hewers of wood and drawers of water," only to the privileg- 
ed orders. 

The frequent demands for the convocation of the states-ge- 
neral had reached the ears of the army, who felt the strongest 
dislike to that mechanical discipline which Louis XVIth had 
introduced from Austria, Prussia and Russia, and whose pu- 
nishments accompanied the non-performance of military duty; 
and at this time there were very feAv men in the whole country 
who had not served in the army, they were consequently inur- 
ed to discipline and familiar with discipline. The troops in the 
capital, who by their long residence therein, had contracted 
an intimate acquaintance with its citizens, were the first who 
felt the revolutionary spirit, and eventually fixed the fate of 
that despotism, which, supported by all the nobles and clergy, 
with an immense force accustomed to implicit obedience, aid- 
ed by long custom, and strengthened by ancient pi'ejudices, 
was now destined to sustain a complete overthrow. 

Mr. Necker had persuaded the king to reform his immense 
household establishment, which lessened the admiration that 
the multitude had previously felt, and removed one incentive 
to their obedience. Louis XVI. who had frequently opposed 
with obstinacy the proceedings of the parliaments, submitted 
to their firmness, and hence the prerogative was found to have 
a resti'aint. The king himself was pitied, and by many des- 
pised ; being voluptuous, weak, timid, unstable, and tyranni- 
cal or yielding, accoi'ding to the preponderance of the raali 
opinions of the queen, or his own irresolution. 



Marie Antoinette also acquired the dislike of the nation in 
a considerable degree. Her manners were haughty, her ex« 
pences incalculable, and her mode of life the subject of severe 
reprehension. The people accused her of being more attach- 
ed to Aubtria than to France, whilst htr want of decorum was 
the perpetual complaint of the gay Parisians. The king's two 
brothers and herself were at open variance ; hence a number 
of court intrigues that would otherwise have been buried in ob» 
livion were disseminated through Paris, which augmented ihe 
disquietude of its inhabitants, and evinced the necessity of an 
immediate reformation. The duke of Orleans, at the same 
time, was striving for popularity : banished by the king, and 
persecuted by the queen, he excited a spirit of opposition to 
the measures of government m his partisans, and gave all his 
influence to strengthen the revolutionary principles, and to 
promote the dissatisfaction of the people. 

The whole system of government was abusive and tyranni- 
cal ; the feudal hierarchy was become oppressive in the high- 
est degree ; and instead of being a barrier to the encroach- 
ments of the sovereign, were his most servile adherents : 
they enforced their sole right to the pleasures of hunting, &c. 
they advanced old and intolerable claims to procure means to 
gratify their luxury or avarice, and thus filled the minds of the 
peasantry with an unconquerable aversion to their masters, and 
with an insatiate desire for the approach of the day of retribu- 
tion, when they might revenge the injuries to which they had 
been obHged to submit. 

The dignified clergy also were arrived at the acme of voluptu- 
ousness, and having forgotten the grand design of the Christi- 
an ministry, intrigued for offices and sinecures, and by the 
most corrupt means obtained the highest rank in the church ; 
but the art of printing, and the writings of a variety of au- 
thors*, had lessened the superstitious reverence of the multi- 
tude for their ghostly rulers ; whilst the immense revenues 
of the church excited the envy of those who thought this sum 
drawn from the labours of the poor, would tend much more 



* Montesquieu, Mably, Raynal, Rousseau, and above all Voltaire, 
taught the subjects of that most absolute monarchy, to think and to 
speak as men :.. .BufFon, Condorcet, Bailly, Turcot, Didei-ot, 
d'Alembert, all aided in this work by the boldness of their inquiries, 
the freedom of their opinions, and the energy with which they com- 
bated the ancient tyranny ; whilst Necfcer and Calonne, the for ner 
by his strictures on the finances, and the latter by his opposition to the 
privileged orders, must he allowed to have dispelled the ignorance of 
the nation with respect to their poblick iiffiiurs. 



4 



to the benefit of the nation if it were the reward Qf industry, 
or ipp.!f.:d to the establishment of those buildini^s which ei- 
ther diffuse knowledge, or give satisfaction and safety to the. 
inliabitiints. 

But the clergy to degeneracy added injustice. They left 
their (iioceses entiiely to reside near the court, and appointed 
the lower orders to admiinster the word of God, so much cor- 
rupted by their superstitions; lhes,e men they pilfered of the 
gratuitous kindness of their flocks, and thereby fostered that 
dislike in the breasts of the lower clergy, which at length in- 
duced them to oppose their superiors, and hastened the de- 
struction of the established hierarchy. 

An education more republican had become general throughout 
the nation. The people read, and thought, and conversed 
with great freedom on the subjects of government. They 
ceased not to decry the abuses of the clergy, the corrupt ad- 
ministraiion of justice, the arbitrary exactions of the nobles, 
and the incessant demands which an improvident government, 
m; le u.ion them to maintain its extravagances, and to supply 
its expences. Paris was in perpetual agitation ; its great ricli- 
es and vast population were of much influence in the popular 
scale : and the comparisons which were made between the 
wretchedness of poverty, and the splendour of the opuleqt, 
conjoined to the want of occupation and nourishment, the cry 
for hberty, the hopes of enjoying it, the addresses of some 
admirtd speakers, and the never-ceasing stream of inflummf^T 
tory productions which flowed throurh Paris like a torrent, 
rendered a convulsion almost inevitable. 

There was another species of injustice in the governmepti 
which ali!-0'.)trh so lonir tolerated, animated the desire of 
chant^e and quickened that spirit of opposition which mani- 
fested itself in all parts of the nation. The Bastille and the 
Leitres de Cachet were the instruments of carrying into effect 
the vile oppressions under which the nation groaned. The 
ven;dity of the crovernment in each of its departments hc«4 
attained its summit A nobleman or rich man could secure his 
adversary a residence iu thi^ Bastille, if he would pay a suffi- 
cient price for a Lettre de Cachet, and they Avere sold with the 
most open impunity. The judges and other administrators of 
justice decided all causes in favour of those who rewarded 
thtm; and females, denominated Les Soliciteuses, were em- 
plo' ed to procure awards from the courts of law. 

The excessive loAd of taxes, which fell almost exclusivel)? 
upon the lower class of people, aided the general discontent ; 
ihe exemptions claimed by the privileged orders, whieH werif 



increased by the sale af titles of nobility, and the feudal rir 
gours which subsisted in all their power, filled up the measure 
of national dissatisfaction. 

In some districts the farmers were little superior to the boors 
pf the north of Europe. Encliained by indigence to their native 
soil, forced from home by the nobility, to whom they were 
obliged to give their actual sei'vices, and maintaining a dissi- 
pated clergy, their famili'^s knew nothing of worldly comfort ; 
many perished in seasons of scarcity ; and previous to the re- 
volution many were altogether enslaved. 

" The people being thus left entirely destitute of redress ov 
protection ; the royal authority paramount and unbounded ; the 
laws venal ; the peasantry oppressed ; agriculture in a lan- 
guishing state ; comn^crce considered as degrading ; the pub- 
lick revenues farmed out to greedy financiers ; the puhlick mo- 
ney consumed by a couvt wallowing in luxury, and every in- 
stitution at variance with poHcy, justice and reason ; a change 
became inevitable in the ordinary course of human events ; 
and like all sudden alterations in corrupt states, was accompa- 
nied with temporary evils and crimes, which made many good 
men look hack on the ancient despotism with a sigh. But at 
this period the cry of liberty resounded in every possible dir 
rection from Paris, the city where the revolution was engen- 
dered, to the Alps, the Pyrenees, the plains of P'landers, the 
borders of the Channel, and the shores of the Mediterranean 
&nd the Atlantick.'' 

The states-general assembled at Versailles, May the 5thj 
1789. Their proceedings were opened by Louis XVI. who 
read to them an address, which was received with much sa- 
tisfaction ; Mr. Varentin and Mr. Necker entered at large 
upon the situation of publick affairs : after some time spent in 
debating upon the junction of the nobility, clergy and com- 
mons in one body, the king suspended their meeting, but not 
without considerable opposition from the third estate, Avho 
contended against this proceeding with all their influence. 
They met again on the 22(1 of June, the commons having 
been joined by one hundred and forty-nine of the clergy and 
two of the nobility from Dauphine : the speech which was de- 
livered by the king was very ungrateful to his auditors. After he 
had withdrawn, accompanied by the nobles and the minority of 
the clergy, M. de Breze intimated the king's orders that they 
should retire, but they persisted in their former resolutions, 
land declared the " persons of the deputies sacred and. inviola- 
ble." Fprty-seven of the nobles, with the duke of Orleans, 
joined the commons, and on the fourth day, by the express r©. 



commendation of the king, a measure which he had prohibit- 
ed in his second speech, the remainder of the nobility and 
clergy followed their example. Much joy was expressed on 
account of this agreement, but on the part of the court it was 
hypocritical, for at this crisis large bodies of foreign troops 
were collecting ; thirty-five thousand were assembled in the 
neighbourhood of Paris ; twenty thousand more were expect- 
ed ; artillery were provided ; camps marked ; batteries rais- 
ed ; military posts were established in the roads and on the 
bridges ; and the marshal de Broglio appointed to the chief 
command. 

The city of Paris was roused to a very alarming degree by 
these preparations ; the effect intended, to terrify the Parisi- 
ans, was not produced ; and the orators who addressed them in 
the gardens of the Palais Royal, excited their curiosity and 
animated their zeal, until the cry of liberty became general, 
and extended even to the blind supporters of the measures of 
the court. 

The military in the city of Paris made a comm^on cause with 
the people, and those in the neighbourhood upon being order- 
ed to attack the populace, who were releasing some soldiers 
from prison for disobeying an order to fire upon the citizens, 
laid down their arms and joined the insurgents. At this junc- 
ture Necker was sent into exile, and a new administi'ation, all 
the decided advocates of despotism were appointed, who had 
fixed on the 14th of July to take possession of Paris, and 
thereby to destroy the national assembly. 

A trifling incident disconcerted every project of the court. 
The Parisians were carrying the busts of Necker and Orleans 
in triumph, when they were attacked by a patrole of the Roy- 
al AUemande i*egiment, and several persons were wounded. 
Soon after the alarm bell of each parish was rung ; the women 
and children filled the city with their cries ; signal guns were 
fired ; the citizens prepared their houses for defence, whilst 
the populace seized all the arms in the different shops in the 
city, and hastened to the town house. Being joined by the 
guards they gave battle to the foreigners, gained the victory, 
and forced all the regular troops to evacuate Paris and to re- 
treat to Versailles, which filled the court with the most per- 
fect dismay. 

But the appearance of a banditti in the neighbourhood of the 
city, who had already burnt several houses in the suburbs, and 
who were hastening to Paris for provisions, of which there was 
a scarcity, induced the immediate formation of a city militia ; 
but arms being wanting, those who had enrolled themselves 



members of the nevntnilitia marched to the invalid hospital^ 
took possession of the artillery, and secured about fifty thou- 
sand pikes, sabres and muskets. Upon this occasion more 
than sixty thousand were enrolled into companies ; the Ser- 
jeants and grenadiers of the guards were elected officers ; can- 
non were posted on all the avenues to Versailles ; and the Place 
Diiuphine, being provided with a numerous artillery, became 
the head-quarters of the militia, afterwards called the patrio- 
tick army. 

On the morning of the 14th of July, a circumstance occurred 
which decided the superiority of the popular cause. Some 
individual, vi hose name is not recorded, having engaged the 
attention of the citizens, cried, " Let us take the Bastille." 
Nothing could hate been so appropriate ; no motion so well- 
timtd ; it resounded throughout Paris, and in a few minutes 
an army was formed, which being speedily joined by all the 
troops in the capital, perplexed and intimidated De Launay, 
the governor. 

The assailants beginning to attack the gates, the garrison 
fired upon the people, and killed several upon the spot — this 
kindled the rage of tlie multitude, which was satiated by the 
capture only of the prison, after a contest of four hours. De 
Launay was immediately beheaded, and the whole of the 
garrison would have been immolated upon the altar of re- 
venge, had not the French guards pt;titioned for them, mercy. 
The national assembly, during these events, did not adjourn 
for two days and two nights, until the capture of the Bastille 
was announced. On the following morning the king ordered 
the troops to retire, and the citizens elected Mr. Bailly mayor 
of Paris, and de la Fayette commander of the national guards. 
The Bastille, the object of first hatred, was demolished imme- 
diately after these events ; the prisoners, amounting to seven 
only in number, were liberated and carried in triumph through 
the principal streets of Paris ; the torturous instruments were 
exposed before the whole city ; and the strong hold of despo- 
tism was thus destroyed, not one stone of it being left upon 
another. 

In consequence of the capture of the Bastille, many of the 
princes and nobihty fled to Germany ; Mr. Necker was re- 
called from Basle, to which city he had been exiled, and the 
famous declaration of rights was adopted by the national as- 
sembly and sanctioned by the king. On the 4th of August, 
1789, the old feudal system was entirely abolished, and Louis 
XVL received the title of " The Restorer of Liberty ;" but 
soon after he sent a long letter, refusing his assent to some of 



s 



the proceedings of the 4th of Auguist ; this added to the itft« 
prudent conduct of the national militia, the Swiss troops, the 
body guards, and the regitnent of T landers, who were exceed- 
ingly hated in France, excittd the suspicions of the national 
assembly, and at one of their meetings, Mirabeau denounced 
the queen and the duke de Guiche. 

On the fifth of October, the populace being joined by the 
guards under La Fayette, proceeded to Versailles, and forced 
the king and his family to return to Paris, that they might not 
retire to the frontiers. The constitution having been now 
formed, the grand meeting in the Champ de Mars was held, 
■where the king, the representatives, and great numbers of the 
clergy took a solemn oath to maintain the constitution. 

But the subsequent conduct of the khig produced much dis* 
quietude. He fled from Paris with his family incognito, and 
had arrived at Varennes ere he was recognised ; but Drouetj- 
post-mastel' of St. Menehould, discovered him, and he was 
escorted back to the capital. The legislature speedily after dis* 
solved their body, and from theoOth of September sat no more. 

The second legislative body were convened upon the disso- 
lution of the former : the nobles and priests still continued to 
fly, and Coblentz became the general rendezvous : the French 
princes joined their countrymen in that city, the old court cere- 
monies were established, and an army had begun to assemble, 
■when the national assembly, December 29, 1791, decreed that 
the prince of Conde should forfeit his right to the regency, if 
he did not return within two months ; that all the men uniting 
at Coblentz were traitors, and sent their manifesto to the 
different courts in Europe. 

. At this time the king -was plotting a counter-revolution, al- 
though he had most solemnly assented to the proceedings of the 
national assembly. The political parties in France were nu- 
mierous, and each had a large number of adherents. But tht 
society v/hich made so much noise, and figured so strongly 
from this time, in the affairs of the revolution, was the Jaco- 
bins, whose influence was immense, and who might be said 
frequently to decide the measures of the legislative body» But 
the eminence which they had acquired was owing to the 
queen's hostility to the constitution and liberty ; the foolish 
conduct of the king ; the absurd precipitation of the foreign 
powers ; and the war which was speedily announced. The 
continental states judging that they could destroy all the 
"vvOrk of reformation which had been begun in FVance, entered 
into a coalition which, under the pretext of restoring Loitis 
XVI. to the throne, was mtendedto partition France, as thejr 



liad divided Poland r./.-war being declared, a bloody ■manifesto 
was promulged by the Duke of Brunswick, which surpasses 
any sanguinary edict issued during the late war. On the tenth 
of August, an insurrection occurred in Paris, which ended in 
the death of many of the Swiss guards, who defended the king 
in the Thuilleries....this event suspended the royal authority, 
and produced the election of a national convention, to orga- 
nize the distressed situation of publick affairs : previous to the 
meeting of that body, Fayette deserted the command of the 
army and Dumouriez was appointed his successor. The 
Prussian army entered France in the latter end of August, 
conquered Longwy and Verdun, and forced Dumouriez by 
this success to post himself in the forest of Arg;onne, fi'om 
•which he retired to the camp of St. Menehouid, and the 
■duke commenced the siege of Thionville. 

The convention met in September, and on the 21st of that 
month decreed the abolition of royalty, and the transiormatiori 
of the form of government to that of a republick : they imme- 
diately proceeded to excite all the latent energies of the nation, 
that the progress of the allies might be checked, and the in- 
vaders driven from the country. The king of Psussia per- 
ceiving that neither glory nor advantage was to be derived 
from a contest with the French, withdrew his troops, although 
with numberless difficulties and privations, and u v/as owing 
either to Dumouriez's remissness or treachery, that any of 
them escapedt 

The retreat of the allied forces delivered the French go- 
vernment from all their anxiety, and determined tiiem to act 
upon the offensive: their generals were ordered to advance in- 
to Germany : Worms, Mentz and Frankfort were immediate- 
ly captured, and an incursion was made into the dominions of 
the prince of Hesse. Savoy was attacked at the same time : 
Chambcrie, Nice and Montalbin submitted to the French, 
and a grand fete was celebrated at Paris to testify the nation* 
aljoy. 

Whilst these movements insured the safety of the repub- 
lick, the northern armies emulated the example of their com- 
rades, and under the command of Dumouriez traversed the 
Netherlands with great celerity in consequtnce of the battle 
of Gemappe, which was so decisive as to enable the French 
general to take possession of nearly the whole of Flanders, as 
fast as his troops could inarch to their posts : Mens, Brussels, 
Liege, Antwerp and Namur being garrisoned by French soldiers. 
This short campaign havinsj; been so peculiarly successful on 
behalf of the French, the army was permitted to retire int» 
winter quarters. 

F F f 



10 



The commencement of the year 1793 completed the revo* 
lution ; the convention, as the supreme authority of the nati- 
on having- deposed their monarch, arraigned, tried and con- 
demned him to ceath. He was guillotmed immediately after 
his sentence, and to his execution may be attributed the long 
and mei'ciless war which succeeded. The interest which 
Bonaparte evinced, and the services which he performed for 
the nation, have been already narrated in his life, hence his 
part of the history will not be noticed ; but to connect the 
whole woik, a cursory view of the changes of the republick 
until the elevation of Napoleon I. to the consulate will be in- 
troduced. 

1 he news of Louis' death had no sooner reached London, 
than the French ambassador was dismissed with the most pro- 
found contempt ; war was declared ; a coalition was formed 
which included all the European states except Denmark and 
Sweden, and the mos^t vigorous preparations made to renew 
the war. Anticipating the arrival of troops from England, 
Dumouriez invaded Holland, captured Breda, Klundert, Sec. 
but the duke of York's landing, with the success of the Au- 
strians on the Rhine, induced the French armies to raise the 
siege of Maestricht, and to retreat towards the frontiers: 
much of this apparent defeat was the effect of Dumouriez's 
baseness, who soon after deserted his army, and retired to 
the allies ; upon which Dampierre was appointed his success- 
or. The battles of Famars, where the French commander 
was slain, Quievrain and St. Amand speedily followed ; these 
forced the French to retreat, and Itft Conde, Valenciennes, 
&:c. at the mercy of the allies, which fortresses, with Mentz, 
were possessed by their troops. In the course of this summer 
the convention decreed, '' That all the people of colour born 
of free parents, were eligible to offices in the colonial tovem- 
ment," and the British conquered Tobago, Miquelon, St. 
Pierre, Pondicherry, and several other stations of value and 
fm.portanre both in the East and West-Indies. Lord Hood 
was appointed to the Mediterranean with a formidable- fleet, 
and the misfortunes of Frt.nce seemed to be consummated ; 
an internal commotion which ended in tlie death of Brissot 
and twenty other deputies, was the ruin of Lyons, and con- 
vulsed the republick through all its departments. But the Ja- 
cobins, influenced by Robespierre, which party now held the 
reins of government, immediately resorted to every measure 
to recruit the armies, and instantaneously levied 300,000 men, 
who with the troops already in active service, formed an Trn- 
penetrable cordon from the British channel entirely round 
France to the insurgent departments of La Vendee. Hou- 



11 



chard having been nominated to the command of the northern 
army, discomfited the EngUsh under the duks of York, 
with immense toss, and had he not sold his country's mter- 
ests, for which he was quickly guillotined, the wliole of the 
allies engaged in the siei^'e of Dunkirk must have been prison- 
ers of war. But the Austrians still maintained their superio- 
rity, and drove all the French advanced posts into their in- 
trenched camp at Maubeuge, and captured Quesnoy. Whilst 
these events occurred in the north of France, Toulon was as- 
sailed by lord Hood, and taken possession of by him ; but the 
allies were driven from it after a siege of three months, and a 
five days assault.... this success was almost entirely owing to the 
exertions of Bonaparte- The campaign ended on the Rhine by 
the conquest of Haguenau, Weissembourg, Spires, &;c. which 
fortresses, after an incessant series of battles, submitted to 
Pichegru ; this forced general Wurmser to cross the Rhine 
with astonishing precipitation, and obliged the duke of Bruns- 
wick to retreat to Mentz, wlieve he resigned his command. 

The spring of 1794 commenced favourably for the allies, 
who were sucsessful in several partial actions ; but Pichegru's 
defeat of Clairfait, and the battle of Fleurus, which was 
gained by Jourdan, left to one part of the combined forces no 
other resource than to retreat from the Netherlands into Hol- 
land, and to the other than to fall back upon the Rhine. These 
reverses were succeeded by the surrender of Landrecies. Ques- 
noy, Valenciennes and Conde, in which towns the French found 
immense booty. The armies suspended all military operations 
during the lapse ot two months, after which Jourdan proceed- 
ed in his career, and conquered all the territories on the left 
bank of the Rhine except Mentz. Pichegru invaded Holland, 
and having forced all the forufied towns to surrender, crossed 
with his army and artillery the rivers and dykes, drove the 
stadtholder from his capital, and secured a squadron of men 
of war frozen in the Zuyder Zee, by detaching a body of ca- 
valry and artillery on the ice. The prosperity of the repub- 
lick, although not so great on the Rhine, in Italy, and in 
Spain, was very evident, and it required little foresight to state 
what would be the effects of arming a powerful nation in self- 
defence. This year was distinguished by the naval victory of 
lord Howe, which materially injured the French maritime 
force, and in a great measure ascertained the British superio- 
rity on the ocean. The island of Corsica was invaded, con- 
quered and as quickly restored by the English : and the greater 
part of the French West-Tndies belonged to the British flec-ts. 
At the commencement of the year 1795, the French repub- 
iick exhibited a most formidable aspectj and her conqtiests 



12 



had. so terrified some of the powers, that they concluded iC 
sa' £t ',o H(;kno\vledt':e her and "to form treaties of peace.... 
hence Spiin, Prussia, Tuscany, Hanover and Hesse seceded 
from tiie coidition, and left those who had no more judgment 
than to persist, to (eel aione all the direful consequences of 
their inl'atuation. ' The campaign began in Flanders with the 
capture of Luxembourg by tiie French, and the blockade of 
>Icntz i immediattly uj)on which the armies crossed the Rhine, 
but were obliged after mnny severe conflicts to I'e-pass that ri- 
ver. In Italy the campaign was generally successful on the 
part of the French uniil nearly its close, when the Austrian 
emperor dispatched 25 000 troops to oppose their progress, 
and the army retired inio winter quarters, in which situation 
they coiitiiued until Bontiparte assumed the command. In 
tlie mean time the convention had dissolved itself, a new con- 
stitution was adopted, and the executive department was con- 
fided to a dn-ectory. The naval campaiii;n produced nothing 
of importance, the only actions were fought between Hotham 
and Bndport, and two !• rench squadrons, but the efiects were 
trifling. 

The Italian campaign of 1796 has already been detailed, 
The contest in tit-rmmy liad been so completely successful 
that Moreau and Jourdan advanced into the heart of Germa- 
ny, but the defeat of the latter obliged the former to retreat, 
and this is the event in Moreau's military character which has 
raised him to the very highest rank in his profession ; the fa- 
mous retreat oi Xenophon being upon comparison with that 
of the modern but the atchievements of a cadet. This year 
also saw the conclusion of the war in La Vendee, which 
Hoche had effected, and thus liberated the republick from its 
jnost distressing enemy. In 1796 the Dutch possessions in 
the East and West-Indies submitted to the British troops, 
■wl'.o appeared to be determined to procure indemnity abroad 
for their disasters at home. 

The campaiy;n of 1797 in Germany, was on the point of 
commencing when tlie preliminaries at Leobtn were signed by 
Bonaparte, and the armies were permitted to enjoy a state of 
repose, whilst the temporary peace between France and Aus- 
tria continued. Daring this year two naval battles v/ere fought 
....the first was a victory over the Spaniards by lord St. Vin- 
cent, with the capture of tour large ships after a partial acti- 
on ; the other, which was the most severe contest at sea 
throughout the war, was a victory gained by lord Duncan, 
and it must be admitted that had not admiral Storey with- 
drawn his division from tlie Dutch fleet, it is very problemati- 
cal to whom the superiority would have belonged. 



13 



The congress of Rastadt met at the latter end of the yea^' 
1797, to adjust all disputes between the Germanic potentates^ 
-which had arisen fi-om numbers of them having made peace 
Avith Moreau during his irruption into Germany in 1796 1 
whilst that body was sitting, the directory declared war against 
the Pope, and oblige:! him to submit to the terms which they 
dictated, and the revolutionary fire having begun to extend it- 
self in Switzerland, they detached a large body of troops to 
that country to maintain peace, and to punish it as having 
been the residence of all the intriguers during the war. Nel- 
son's victory off Egypt induced the Porte to declare war 
against France : a Russian fleet appeared in the Mediterra- 
nean, and the king of Naples marched against Rome, which 
Cciused the king of Sardinia to transfer his Italian possessions 
to the directory. The British expedition to Ostend, in which 
the whole army were forced to smn-ender, is the sole meniora- 
ble event of the year 1798, on that part of the European con- 
tinent. Circumstances having changed, the king of Naples 
fled to Palermo, and the French proclaimed that kingdom a 
repubhck : but the slowness of the proceedings at Rastadt, the 
mui der of the French commissioners deputed to adjust the in- 
demnifications, and the promised support of the Russians, ac- 
tuated the German emperor to recommence the contest. Du- 
ring the year 1799, the French armies were inferior to their 
opponents ; they were depressed, and generally vanquished : 
afier having been reduced to the most perilous situation, Mas- 
sena forced that barbarous ruffian Suwarrow to return to Rus- 
sia with the loss of 60,000 men during his short campaign, 
and acquired the laurel which through the death of Joubert, 
and some victories when contending with Moreau, the latter 
had appropriated to himself: he retired mto obscurity, to die as 
he had lived, the scorn of mankind, and the disgrace of human 
nature; he perished without compassion, and his name is never 
repeated without emotior s of horror. In the fall of this year, the 
Enp;lish and Russians, commanded by the duke of York, in- 
vaded Holland, but after three actions at Bergen, Alkmaar 
and Baccum, they were obliged to purchase their departure at 
a very high price : perishing with hunger, opposed by a pow- 
erful and victorious army, with no possibility of embarking, 
the royal hero was obliged to submit to very humiliating 
terms, which general Brune, a printer, dictated. 

At this crisis Bonaparte arrived from Egypt ; the republican, 
armies were greatly diminished ; the Austrian emperor had 
recovered iiis Italian possessions ; the sea vi'as the property of 
British fleets and cruisers, and the French nation was unable 
to assist its allies, and from its exhausted treasury to provide 



14 



for its own necessities. The executive department was coa- 
fided to the hero of Italy ; new energy was infused into 
all parts of the nation ; the finances were restored to ocder ; 
the armies were recruited, and again appeared formidable ; 
publick confidence returned ; the treaties of peace signed at 
Luaeville and Amiens, the consequence of a series of victo- 
ries, were unwillingly concluded by the enemies of France, 
and as if by enchantment, the French emperor is now ex.dted 
to die controul of almost all the civdized parts of the Euro- 
pean continent. 

The licentiousness of the inhabitants has been repi'essed ; 
the causes of the various excesses of the revolution have been 
destroyed ; the facility of procurins? divorces abolished ; that 
general contempt for the worship of God which had been en- 
couraged by the Jacobins whilst they tacitly directed the af- 
fairs of the republiclt, is gradually extinguishing, and the ut- 
most liberty of conscience authorized. Whilst considerable 
restrictions of a civil nature have been imposed upon the in- 
habitants of France, and the afflictive scenes of the revolution, 
may have rendered them in some measure necessary ; the 
most unbounded rehgious liberty is enjoyed, and it is probably 
a truth tliat vital religion is more perceptible at this period than 
during the reign of Louis XVI. The French nation, not- 
withstanding all the crimes which accompanied its late change, 
is immensely meliorated ; the situation of the lower classes of 
people is highly improved ; agriculture, commerce and ma- 
nufactures, formerly despised, are encouraged by the empe- 
ror, and all the ramifications of the government evince the 
superintendence of their energetick, indefatigable and unpa- 
rallelled chief. To prove how much superior the present state 
of the nation is to its condition prior to the revolution, one 
circumstance only is necessary to be adduced. After the con- 
cordatum between the Consul and the Pope was promulged, 
the protestants, whose numbers are greatly augmented in 
consequence of thedestruction ofthe old hierarchy, fearing that 
they might again be proscribed, addressed Bonaparte upon the 
subject, his reply was perfectly congenial to the rights of con- 
science. His exaltation to the imperial dignity and coronati- 
on, induced the protestants to depute a body of their mini- 
sters to express their obedience to him in his new character : 
liis answer to their address, which shall conclude this sketch, 
is full proof of the position advanced : ' t see with pleasure 
assembled here, the pastors of the reformed churches of 
France, and seize with avidity this opportunity to declare my 
satisfaction with the fidelity and good conduct of the pastors 
and citizens of the several protestant conjmunions. I wish it 



15 



to be published, that my firm resolve and desire are to main- 
tain the liberty of worship. The empire of the law ends 
where the empire of conscience begins. Neither the law nor 
the sovereign dare to diminish that liberty. Such are my 
principles and those of the nation, and if any of my race, who 
may succeed me, shall forget my coronation oath, and mis- 
led by a false confidence, shall violate it, I devote him to pub- 
lick animadversion, and authorize you to denominate him 
Nero.'* 



I'lJVIS, 



CONTENTS. 

Page. 
Preface . • . • 3 
Birth, education and employment of Bonaparte, until 
his appointment to the command of the army of Ita- 
ly, in the year 1795 . . . S 
Campaign of 1796 and 1797 in Italy . . 28 
Expedition to Egypt . . , . 136 
Bonaparte's appointment to the first consulship . 197 
Bonaparte during his consulate . . . 225 
Bonaparte exalted to the imperial dignity . 302 
Addenda . . . . . ^7S 
A comprehensive view of the French revolution 401 






